High School Teacher - Special Education

Committed to changing the game for students in Northwest Queens, we are in search of a leader that strives for excellence even when the path of least resistance seems easier. A leader who is passionate about building community and is also committed to the persistence and stamina it requires to do the work. A person who does not shy away from giving critical feedback and can navigate with ease different styles of communication and the various constituents in a school community. Open to feedback, and eager to improve, this individual’s primary goal is to provide students with choices at the next level in a learning environment that is simultaneously challenging, stimulating and fun. This is a special opportunity to be a founding member of this new high school Fall 2024. Who We Are: Forte Preparatory High School is a new 9th through 12th grade college preparatory, tuition-free public charter school for Queens, New York, with a focus on serving the Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona communities. We will educate 140 students in 9th grade in the 2023-24 School Year. Our mission is: Through a relentless pursuit of academic, community, and personal excellence, Forte Preparatory Academy Schools equip all students to become the next generation of leaders in Queens and beyond. We do this work because 77% of high school graduates in our neighborhood are unprepared for the academic rigor of college. We do this work so that these students can beat the odds stacked against them and change those odds forever. Our commitments are as follows: We are committed to preparation for high school, college and beyond. We are committed to unlocking potential in every student. We are committed to excellent teaching and learning. We are committed to diversity and seek to reflect and honor the diversity of our community within the walls of our school. We are committed to an intentional school culture ensuring that everything we do that supports a student's success beyond high school is built and maintained, grade by grade, year to year. We are committed to parents/families. This is where you come in. Forte Prep is looking for Founding Teachers, High School Special Education. WHAT WE NEED/THE OPPORTUNITY Forte Preparatory High School opened its doors/welcome to students in the Fall 2023. We are now adding a 10th grade in the Fall of 2024 WHO YOU ARE:

• You are inspired by Forte Prep’s mission, vision, and values. You are excited to join a team that is committed to removing barriers and addressing the achievement gap. You thrive in a work environment that values community, a strong commitment to excellence, equity, and high expectations for students and faculty
• You believe that all students, regardless of background, have the ability to develop the skills and confidence to pursue the path they choose – college, career, and beyond; demonstrated commitment to the school’s unique community
• You demonstrate socio-political consciousness, the ability to communicate with parents and students across lines of cultural difference, an orientation towards teamwork, and hold high expectations of students and colleagues
• Minimum 2 years of urban teaching preferred
• NY Certification to teach
• Demonstrated quantifiable and objective student performance gains that surpass state or local averages
• Ability to work with a variety of learning abilities, including those with special needs and low skill level in a heterogeneously grouped classroom setting
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and community members
• Advanced degrees in education or content area preferred
• Highly Qualified as defined by No Child Left Behind

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Plan and execute high-quality classroom lessons
• Support the emotional and behavioral development of all students
• Work collaboratively with other general education teachers and engage in co-planning
• Create an education of excellence that meets student’s interests, abilities, and needs within a curricular framework which reflects and promotes an understanding of, and, appreciation for, diversity in our community as an integral part of school life leading to post-secondary success.
• Develop curriculum, assessment, and instruction within the department through the Modern Classrooms Project approach incorporating blended instruction, self-paced structures, and standards mastery based grading.
• Participate in and support meaningful data meetings and deep dives in line with department-wide, grade level-wide, and school-wide goals.
• Keep frequent and current records of student progress.
• Foster a strong and cohesive school culture through community building and restorative practices.

Compensation Salary range is $60,000-$85,000 commensurate with your experience, with additional compensation each year until school reaches full capacity (grades 9-12). Forte Prep Academy High School employees are provided with a benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, 403 B matching, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, a smartphone, and a laptop. Equal Opportunity Employer Forte Preparatory Academy Charter Schools are committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. Job Type: Full-time Salary: $60,000-$85,000 per year Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay
• Signing bonus

COVID-19 considerations: Vaccines required, masks optional (if vaccinated). Ability to commute/relocate:

• Glendale, NY 11385