Apprentice Teacher, Special Education (SY25-26)

ABOUT MERIDIAN PCS

Meridian is a PreK-8th grade school located in Washington DC’s vibrant U Street Corridor. Our mission is to inspire a passion for learning in our students and to help them build their self-confidence and self-respect through academic achievement. As one of the oldest public charter schools in the city, our campuses support about 600 racially and ethnically diverse students from all wards of Washington, DC. Approximately 25% of our students are English language learners (multilingual learners). One-third of students live in the surrounding neighborhood and approximately 50% live in Ward 1. Meridian’s elementary PreK-5th grade campus is located in DC’s vibrant U Street Corridor. Meridian’s middle school campus, grades 6-8, is located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood.

Meridian draws on the strengths of our neighborhood and our partnerships with community organizations to support our students and families. The city is our classroom; as an emerging EL Education school, we prepare our students to be active citizens and create a better world. Through language learning, a rich and rigorous curriculum, and the schoolwide values of curiosity, respect, resilience, and leadership, we support students in achieving their highest aspirations.

Join us as we continue to take Meridian from good to great! For additional information about Meridian visit mpcs-dc.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a Special Education Apprentice Teacher for SY25-26. The Apprentice Teacher works alongside a special education classroom teacher to instruct middle school students in a self-contained classroom. The Apprentice Teacher provides support services in the classroom, resource centers and other related school areas and performs a wide variety of duties including student supervision, direct support, and instructional support in a specialized setting of under 10 students. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate in the planning and implementation of daily lesson plans by performing tasks that reinforce learning of assigned students individually, in small groups and/or the whole class.
• Implement, under the supervision of a classroom teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students' academic success through a defined course of study.
• Plan lessons and implement instruction to students in whole group, small group, or one-on-one setting under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
• Assist the teacher in regularly observing students and taking anecdotal notes to inform planning, arrangements of small groups, the set-up of the classroom and interest areas, and assessments.
• Administer tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Communicate with teachers as may be required for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives; 504 plans, or any other student plans/trackers.
• Maintain classroom equipment, work area, and manual and electronic files and records for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items; providing written reference; providing a safe learning environment; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Support classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.
• Provide assistance to physical and occupational therapy, speech and language, vision and hearing support programs. Assist students with gross and fine motor activities including feeding and toileting.
• Assist with lunchroom duties, including carrying trays, organizing meal trays for students, and cleaning up meals.
• Respond to inquiries from other teachers, parents, administrators, students, etc. for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Provide a safe and positive learning environment by actively monitoring students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, playground, school grounds, hallways, restrooms, field trips, etc.).
• Help maintain accurate classroom, grade level and student records.
• Assist classroom teacher with organizing, setting up, arranging the classroom physical space and environment.
• Provide administrative support to the classroom teacher.
• Attend student, grade level, content level, and school meetings as assigned by administration or designee.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the administration.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates will have the following education and experience:

• Demonstrated ability and passion to work with students and families from diverse backgrounds and special needs.
• Apprentice Teachers must comply with the Federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 ("NCLB") which requires that all apprentice teachers or paraprofessionals working in Title I schools must be "highly qualified." In order to be "highly qualified" under Section 1119 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, instructional paraprofessionals must have a high school diploma or General Educational Development ("GED"), and must meet one of the following requirements:
  • Possess an associate's degree from an accredited college/university, or
  • Complete two years of full-time study (minimum 60 credit hours) at an accredited college/university
  • Successfully complete the ETS ParaPro Assessment with a passing score of at least 461
• At least one year of experience working with students with special needs and/or middle school classroom support.
• Possess a commitment to educating students for academic achievement and empowering students to make healthy lifestyle choices
• Believe in the capacity of every student for high academic achievement and a commitment to creating a highly-structured, effective, and fun learning environment

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Meridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, offering extracurricular clubs and sports for students, and facilitating tutoring programs. We publish the salary scales for Apprentice Teachers here.

HOW TO APPLY

Do you embody a love of learning? Do you believe in the importance of educating the whole child? Do you want to help Meridian continue to grow from good to great? Apply today!

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School’s EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law.