Shrub Oak International School

Special Education Teacher

The Pines - Mohegan Lake, NY - Full Time

Title:  Special Education Teacher
FLSA: Exempt 
Reports to:  Director of Education
Department: The Pines 
Location: Campus 

Organization Summary: 

Shrub Oak International School (SOIS) is a private, special education boarding and day school preparing students on the Autism Spectrum to lead more independent and meaningful lives. We serve the sophisticated needs of a domestic and international co-ed population. Our innovative relationship-based model grounded in evidence-based principles builds on students' strengths and interests, maximizing therapeutic and learning opportunities. Our renowned experts work with students to individualize life and development paths based on each student’s specific needs and interests. Each student’s team of clinicians, teachers, and campus- life staff collaborate closely to address the student’s issues quickly and reinforce therapies and learning paths, so that the student progresses more rapidly. Our modern, technology-infused facility is set on 127 acres of agriculture and farmland where students learn in a natural environment full of sensory experiences.  

The Pines at Shrub Oak is 24-bed, coeducational, interim placement for students on the autism spectrum who may need significant psychiatric support and stabilization before transitioning to a less restrictive environment. Student at the Pines receive psychiatric services in addition to the academic and life skills instruction in a safe, supportive environment with a 2:1 student to staff ratio.   

Position Summary:  

The Special Education Teacher is a 12-month, professional position reporting to the Director of Education. Under the direction of the Director of Education. The Special Education Teacher provides instructional leadership in academic content, life skills, vocational skills, based on IEP goals and/or diploma or district requirements. In addition, the Special Education Teacher will have a strong partnership with the clinical staff to provide an individualized, evidence-based educational program considering each student's interests, strengths and needs. The Special Education Teacher will also provide task oversight to classroom staff and provide training and mentoring on instructional practices in the classroom. Daily instruction by the Special Education Teacher will occur within the school building, on the school grounds and in the community. The Special Education Teacher will communicate closely with all levels of staff within The Pines to develop a unique enhanced educational experience. Each student's educational program will be designed to enrich their academic activities of daily life and vocational development using hands-on, student driven activities that are goal-oriented and self-directed. The Special Education Teacher also assists with other programs, events, and services and can be involved in a wide range of educational responsibilities. Having access to confidential information regarding The Pines at Shrub Oak and its students, discretion and independent judgement is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Essential Functions – Primary duties of the position 

  • Performs daily instructional duties that promote student access to academic content, life skills, vocational skills, etc. 

  • Prepare and Deliver Academic Content, Life Skills and Vocational Skills: 

  • Conducts educational assessments, interprets results, and makes recommendations to inform instruction 

  • Leads development of curriculum and adapts/modifies the curriculum, instruction and assessment to meet the individualized strengths and needs of each student 

  • Collaborates with faculty and clinicians to support students in all areas of programming 

  • Promotes the student's development of appropriate communication, behavior and social interaction 

  • Collaborates with faculty and parents to enhance students' ability to make choices, contribute to the community, increase independence and self-advocate 

  • Designs task-analysis and integrates evidence-based instructional practices 

  • Primarily responsible for the selection of appropriate instructional materials and equipment and identifies alternatives, as necessary 

  • Models effective instructional best practices that closely align with the mission, vision, goals, strategic plan and learning outcomes 

  • Provides task oversight and guidance of classroom staff in providing high quality, individualized, appropriate instruction  

  • Assists students with self-care needs, and assists with behavior management, as needed 

  • Participates as an integral member and possible leader in the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Process and Intervention Process 

  • Develop and Monitor Academic Goals: 

  • Administers assessments and interprets results to develop age and developmentally appropriate goals 

  • Works with faculty and clinical staff to develop and implement intervention plans, creating distinctively individualized educational plans 

  • Attends and actively participates in IEP meetings 

  • Collects and analyzes data pertinent to skills and progress in all academic, social, and emotional areas 

  • Maintains records, files, and documentation 

  • Communicates and collaborates with faculty and clinicians regarding educational programming 

  • Collaborates with Special Area Teachers, Assistant Teachers and clinicians on a regular basis to ensure effective and consistent programming 

  • Communicates with health services staff regarding student specific health needs 

  • Communicates with administration, as needed 

  • Communicates and develops ongoing relationships with parents and community groups in accordance with Shrub Oak policies 

  • Attends and participates in regularly scheduled student treatment review meetings  

  • Remains current with national and state laws, regulations, guidelines, and instructional practices for special education 

  • Utilizes technology for information, resources, organization, data collection, and reporting 

  • Respects confidentiality concerning students 

  • Maintains personal professional growth in academic areas and special education 

  • Participates in, and may provide professional development activities  

  • Shows sensitivity and responsiveness to the diverse needs of students, families, faculty, and staff, with a high degree of cultural competency and collegiality 

  • Performs other duties as assigned  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job as daily duties may differ or shift. 

Required Qualifications 

  • Master's Degree in Special Education or related degree 

  • Eligible for a NYS Teaching Certificate (or equivalent); or a Ph.D. in the content area 

  • Demonstrates knowledge of federal law (IDEA), state law, and national standards related to special education 

  • Demonstrates knowledge and experience with technology applications as they relate to instructional resources and strategies 

  • Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills 

  • Demonstrates interpersonal and organizational skills 

  • Ability to use Shrub Oak’s technology system 

  • Ability to adapt, remain flexible and make appropriate decisions under pressure and evolving circumstances 

  • Experience with middle and high school students with Autism and related disorders 

  • Regular and consistent attendance is required 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Credentials in middle or adolescent special education 

  • Expertise in a specific academic content area 

  • Knowledge of best practices in special education 

  • Knowledge of educational and vocational assessment tools 

  • Knowledge of data collection and analysis for decision-making 

  • Knowledge of a second language 

Supervisory Responsibility –Supervisor of others - No 

Budget responsibility (If yes, please state amount) The Special Education Teacher is responsible for recommending individualized materials necessary for participation in the class. Budget to be agreed upon by Director of Education.  

What are the nature and scope of independent decisions made in this position? 

Must be able to think analytically, critically, assessing a variety of information to make complex judgements on student situations, outcomes, Shrub Oak policies and protocol 

Work Environment 

Participate and work in all areas of the campus, indoors, outdoors. 

Physical Demands 

Sitting at a desk, walking up and down stairs (building has 6 floors), around a hilly campus as needed, may also require walking between floors or between buildings at a moment’s notice. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

This is a 12-month position, full time staff work a traditional 40-hour work week, with expected participation in extra-curricular school activities.  


EEO Statement  

Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to perform the essentials functions of their job. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation. 

Shrub Oak International School maintains a smoke-free environment to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees and community. Smoking or vaping of any kind is strictly prohibited indoors, outdoors, and during off-campus activities, with enforcement measures in place including smoke/vape detectors. Non-compliance will result in disciplinary action disciplinary action including termination. 
Apply: Special Education Teacher
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