Summary:

At Dakar Academy, qualified teachers invest their time and talents to design engaging lessons that bring content to life. The education specialist will organize interventions for struggling students who are not meeting their academic potential, and provide an evaluation of those students who may require services. We are looking for an experienced Educational Specialist to write individualized education plans (IEPs) for the students in his/her classroom. Our ideal candidate will utilize these IEPs to organize interventions for students struggling in the areas of academics, behavior, social/emotional, and/or physical growth. S/he should be passionate about the subjects they teach, their students, and their job. The goal is for students to be provided with the accommodations and/or modifications necessary to achieve success in the classroom and in the future, as they continue on the path of lifelong learning.

Established in 1961 as Dakar’s first international school and a Christian educational institution, Dakar Academy’s vision is to produce well-rounded students, prepared for higher-level studies, whose Christian worldview permeates all aspects of their lives. To that end, we strive to care for each child’s academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. 

Objectives of this Role:

• Foster interdisciplinary learning, teaching, and instruction according to North American curriculum standards, and the educational needs and abilities of individuals and groups of students
• Integrate Christian worldview into course activities and assessments
• Create a classroom culture that is welcoming and positive
• Plan, prepare, and teach lessons, promoting general progress and well-being of students and groups of students
• Incorporate the Understanding by Design framework in unit and lesson planning
• Communicate, cooperate, and consult with school staff, and parents/guardians in the students’ best interest
• Write Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and lead IEP meetings
• Assist teachers in understanding the learning needs of students needing extra support to meet classroom expectations and in understanding how to modify and/or accommodate for individual learning needs
• Observe and evaluate these students and keep documentation of findings
• Monitor student progress when interventions are implemented
• Assist teachers, administration, and parents in identifying and serving students with special needs
• Provide pull-out and/or inclusion services, as necessary, according to students’ IEPs
• Assure that all special needs documentation is kept organized and confidential
• Build knowledge by participating in professional development seminars

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Utilize a wide variety of teaching methods to create differentiated opportunities for deep understanding for all learners
• Assess and evaluate student growth; creating action plans on class-wide, group-wide and individual basis in response to student data 
• Assess, record, and report on development, progress, and behavior of students, issuing grades, progress reports, and report cards
• Collaborate with the school counselor, principal, and all teachers, in providing students with academic, behavioral, and social support. 
• Write and maintain IEPs
• Hold IEP (and IEP Review) meetings, as necessary, to update teachers and parents of student progress
• Attend staff devotionals, meetings, and professional development as scheduled

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Thorough knowledge of best practices and legal guidelines, and willingness to adhere to the school’s procedures and policies
• Ideal candidate will be a team player who takes initiative, serves with humility, and adjusts well to varying group dynamics
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Creative, positive and energetic disposition
• Maintains confidentiality 
• Has a heart for student ministry
• Agree to abide by the decisions of the Board and administration of Dakar Academy

Preferred Qualifications: 

• State Teacher’s Certificate in Special Education
• ACSI Certification