Position: SPED Resource Teacher

Role Description: 

Élan Academy is seeking a Special Education Resource Teacher to provide direct, specialized instruction and IEP case management for scholars in grades 3 through 8. This role spans our Lower School (grade 3–4) and Upper School (grades 5–8) and is responsible for ensuring that every scholar with an IEP receives the individualized, high-quality instruction needed to access our classical, college-preparatory curriculum and meet rigorous learning outcomes.          

About Èlan Academy: 

Founded in 2017, Élan Academy Charter School is an academically challenging, disciplined, and joyful elementary school located in New Orleans, LA. Through a classical curriculum, high-quality instruction, and leadership development, Élan Academy Charter School ensures that all scholars have the foundation necessary to thrive in secondary school, succeed in college, and access lives of opportunity.

An Élan Academy Teammate…

• Does whatever it takes. We are Élan Academy teachers, not just individual classroom teachers. We recognize that we are all responsible for building, preserving, and maintaining our school culture. 

• Embodies our core values. We want to build a culture of open, honest, and productive dialogue with one another. We are expected to share our ideas, thoughts, and concerns. We value the power of shared leadership.   

• Believes results come from hard work. Our preparation creates the opportunity for success. We understand that Élan Academy’s success is the result of persistent effort, resilience, and a shared dedication to continuous improvement.

• Sweats the small stuff.  Every detail matters and helps us build strong daily habits that contribute to success.

• Embodies no-nonsense nurturing. We build meaningful relationships with our scholars and hold them accountable to meet high expectations.

• Teaches ALL scholars until they learn. We are committed to providing an equitable learning environment. We ensure that all scholars have access to high-quality instructional resources and support in order to meet their most rigorous learning outcomes.

• Understands that we are members of one school with one mission, working together at all times. We share our passion for teaching and learning with our colleagues, our scholars, and our families to achieve the mission.  

Responsibilities: 

• Embody & Élan Academy’s mission, vision, and values;

• Participate in an annual summer staff orientation and training;

• Collaborate with scholars, parents, and other members of staff to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP)

• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned scholars and show written evidence of preparation as required.

• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of scholars assigned.

• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed, and assist special education scholars in regular classes with assignments.

• Consult with paraeducators  regarding management of student behavior according to IEP; Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing; Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of scholars.

• Manage scholar  behavior and administer discipline, including intervening in crises and physically restraining scholars as necessary according to IEP.

• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.

• Complete all NOPSB, state, and federal reporting requirements and keep informed of and comply with regulations and policies governing special education.

• Use iReady, DIBLES, LEAP, and Élan's Interim Assessment data to drive instructional decisions and monitor scholar growth.

• Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.

Qualifications: 

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university

• Preferred Valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate:  Special Education 

• 2+ years of experience preferred 

Mindset Requirements: 

• Believe that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to ALL scholars regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, 

• Believe that the children of New Orleans have been historically underserved, and they deserve an excellent education.  

• Believe the opportunity gap can be eliminated and that this can be accomplished not through heroics but through focused instruction. 

• Believe children can thrive academically, creatively, and emotionally in a highly organized learning environment.

• Believe fostering great relationships with families and stakeholders can lead to transformational learning opportunities. 

• Believe high-quality schools focus on scholar learning and intentionally use data to influence outcomes. 

• Believe that all members of the Élan Academy Community are capable of growth. We invest in consistent, measurable, and meaningful learning opportunities that promote academic and personal advancement for all scholars and adults. 

• Believe that the standardized exams our scholars take (NWEA, iLEAP, STEP, and our Interim   Assessments)  provide valuable data that must inform our instruction.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods.

• Ability to assist scholars with physical tasks as needed.

Compensation: 

Élan Academy offers a generous compensation package, including a 401 (K) contribution match, health, dental, and vision insurance, and more! Élan Academy also ensures that ALL staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.