Substitute Teacher (Special Education)

Shrub Oak International School is the new benchmark in autism education. We are a private day and boarding school in northern Westchester County, serving the needs of an international coed population of children, adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Shrub Oak is a school where each student is respected as an individual and surrounded by experts who care and work to bring out each student’s greatest strengths. Our curriculum brings together the most advanced and successful evidence-based clinical and academic approaches in ASD education to prepare our students for independent adult life and employment. Offering two distinct educational programs, with both day and boarding options, Shrub Oak truly is a school like no other. Connect to a career, where passion & purpose combine…

The Substitute Teacher is a 12-month, professional position reporting to an educational coordinator. The Substitute Teacher will be placed by the Operations Manager in classes where the teacher is either on short-term or long-term leave. Under the direction of the educational coordinator, the Substitute Teacher provides instruction in academic content, life skills, vocational skills, etc. based on IEP goals and/or diploma requirements. Daily instruction by the Substitute Teacher will occur within the school building, on the school grounds and in the community. The Substitute Teacher will communicate closely with all levels of staff from all areas of campus life including clinical to support a unique enhanced educational experience. Student 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 Substitute Teacher will also actively assists with other programs, events, and services, and has the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of educational responsibilities. Having access to confidential information regarding 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 of the position -  Primary duties of the position 

Reporting directly to an educational coordinator: 

• Substitutes for teachers who are on short-term and long-term leave 

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

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

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

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

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

• Ensures safety procedures are followed 

• 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 administration, as needed 

• 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 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 that are required of the employee for this job.  

Required Qualifications 

• Master's Degree in Special Education or related degree 

• Eligible for a NYS Teaching Certificate 

• 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 Career Development and Occupational Studies 

• Knowledge of data collection and analysis for decision-making 

Salary: $30/hr
Supervisory Responsibility –Supervisor of others - No 

Budget responsibility (If yes, please state amount) N/A  

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, with full and part time available.  Full time staff work a traditional 40-hour work week, with expected participation in extra-curricular school activities.  

Travel (if yes, percentage of travel time required) 

Other unique responsibilities or conditions not previously listed i.e. bilingual, driver’s license, etc. 

Valid driver’s license is preferred  

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 his/her 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.