About our agency:

The Arc of South Florida Inc. is a nonprofit private agency serving the community since 1953. Our mission is to ensure the rights of all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities through effective advocacy and to provide specialized programs and services to help clients lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. We believe in the potential of each individual's ability to live, work, learn and play in their communities. Are you looking for a job where what you do makes an impact in your community? Are you seeking a position that makes you feel good about the work you do every day and where you know you are making a difference, even behind the scenes? Working at The Arc is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, passion, and commitment to helping people with disabilities, families, and the community, you might be what we are looking for.

General Responsibilities of the Lead Teacher- K-12:

• The Teacher is responsible for the overall supervision and educational activities of the classroom and assuring the health and safety of all the children in attendance in the ACE Academy program.
• The Teacher is actively involved in all aspects of the program including but not limited to direct interaction with the children, families, and staff of the Children & Youth Department and its programs, compliance with all contract and supervising agencies, and completion of all required record keeping.

Specific Program Qualifications for the ACE Academy program:

• Associates Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Degrees in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related fields are preferred.

Qualifications:

1. Complete DCF Training hours in a specified period of time
2. Bilingual (Preferred)
3. Level 2 Background check and drug test
4. Authorization to work in the USA

Duties/Responsibilities:

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Educational / Curriculum Responsibilities

• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level of the children many of whom have special needs.
• Organize an accessible classroom arrangement.
• Prepare and post lesson plans in advance based on selected curricula principles of learning, program requirements and Educational Plans.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques consistent with the special needs and capabilities of the children involved. This includes educational modifications, adaptive equipment and behavioral plans as appropriate.
• Assess children’s learning regularly according to program requirements and provide progress reports as required.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law and administrative regulation.

• Follow all The Children’s Trust (TCT) requirements for summer camp programming and assessments if applicable.

• Plan and develop an engaging, age-appropriate course of study in the classroom, adhering to educational best practices and state curriculum guidelines.
• Design and present individual lesson plans for all academic subjects using a variety of teaching techniques that appeal to various learning styles, methods special needs and disabilities.
• Prepare materials for lessons, assignments, and tests; evaluate, correct, and grade student performance.
• Use positive behavior supports for situations as they arise.
• Monitor students’ progress throughout the year and evaluates preparedness for progression.
• Complete individual Student Educational Plans at required intervals.
• Communicate all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and, as appropriate, other teachers, staff, and/or principal.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with parents.
• Enforce safety and security standards for students, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain required paperwork for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records.
• Monitor all the school facility with other teachers and staff.
• Participate in teacher meetings, educational conferences, in-service opportunities, workshops, and other training seminars.
• Maintain knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in K-12 special education.
• Participate in and support school events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of teaching practices and the best practices of education.
• Desire to teach K-12th grade students and ability to adapt to their developmental status.
• Ability to design lessons that teach curriculum in an engaging manner, applying various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and individual or collaborative projects and research.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage and control the classroom.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Minimum Physical Requirements & Skills:

1. Must have TB Tine test.
2. Must be able to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 10 pounds without assistance.
3. Must be able to bend, squat, and sit on the floor and move around the classroom and playground with the children.
4. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds with assistance, if necessary.
5. Must be able to work under pressure, dealing with events that are often outside of your control, and unforeseen changes/problems.
6. Effective planning and time-management.
7. Must be able to stay alert and focused at all times to ensure the safety of ALL the children in attendance, and be ready to react in any situation.

Pay Range: based on education, prior experience, knowledge and funding.

The Arc of South Florida, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants and/or employees are considered for hire, promotion and job status, without regard to race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, age, sex (including sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, genetic information, veteran, or current or future military status or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Arc of South Florida, Inc. is a drug free workplace. All applicants under consideration for employment will be drug screened and background checked as part of the hiring process.

Disclaimer: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. These may differ according to the age and functioning level of the child.

This position is subject to continuation of funding from government and private funding sources and grants.