Appprentice Teacher, Special Education

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. Our 650+ students are a diverse mix of African American, Latino, Asian, African, and White students. Almost 30% of our students are English language learners, and we have one of the largest Hispanic populations in DC charter schools. We are committed to building a community of teachers and staff who reflect the rich diversity of our student body. Our middle school campus serves nearly 200 students in the Columbia Heights neighborhood in grades 6-8.

Meridian is committed to serving families from our local communities; and one-third of our students live within a half mile of the school. The U Street Corridor was once the heart of black culture in DC and offers a tangible historical archive for our students, and Columbia Heights is one of the most racially and economically diverse neighborhoods in the District. We are also proud of the fact that Meridian is a school of choice for parents— all eight wards of the city are represented among our student population.

Meridian’s strengths include two beautiful and historic campuses, with nearby outdoor and recreational grounds; state of the art technology for students and teachers; updated and aligned curricula; an academic program laser-focused on student growth, achievement, and social-emotional development; extensive professional development and support for teachers and leaders; and a school culture grounded in student achievement, collaboration, and student-centered learning.

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 SY24-25. The Apprentice Teacher works alongside a special education classroom teacher to instruct K-5 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 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.
• Be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or equivalent; and meet one of the below:
  • Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college/university, OR;
  • Completion of two years of full-time study (48-60 semester credit hours or 72 quarter credits) at an accredited college/university AND;
  • At least one year of experience working with students with special needs and/or early childhood 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

A recent TNTP Insight Survey of our teachers placed our staff’s satisfaction with compensation in the top quartile of all charter schools in DC. We also lead the charter sector in compensation transparency, and we publish our salary scales for teachers, apprentice teachers, and dedicated aides here.

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.