Title: Academic Coordinator(Day School Pittsburgh)
Job Category: Education
Requisition Number: ACADE004222
Job Type: Full-Time
Pittsburgh, PA, 15214, United States

Description

Pressley Ridge Benefits

The well-being of our employees and their families is important to us. At Pressley Ridge, we strive to provide the most competitive and comprehensive employee benefit programs that are affordable and help you and your family achieve and maintain your best possible health.

• Medical coverage available with a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
• Prescription coverage
• Dental and vision plans
• Patient advocate and Medicare specialists available at no cost
• Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account
• Wellness incentive (up to $250)
• 403b with up to 9% employer give/match
• Free life insurance and AD&D
• Paid sick time (up to 15 days)
• Paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• Tuition reimbursement (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Position Summary

The Academic Coordinator (AC) works with the Program Director to ensure that educational programming is designed, developed, monitored, and evaluated according to Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations.

The Academic Coordinator will be responsible for knowing all applicable regulations, specifically, Chapter 14, compliance monitoring/record maintenance through the Professional Education Plan, monitoring the services of educational support staff, and attend training on a regular basis. The Academic Coordinator will also consult with the Lead Teacher on academic strategies to use in the classroom. The Academic Coordinator will also develop and maintain quality programming through day-to-day implementation and monitoring of program aspects that includes but is not limited to the IEP process, work closely with professional staff to develop and implement appropriate data driven Individual Transition Plan for students, and support the Program Director in developing the school calendar as well as developing the school wide training calendar. The Academic Coordinator will be in charge of implementing the Teacher Induction program and supporting the Teacher Evaluation program in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Quality Educational Programming
   1. Assure the use of available academically related technology throughout the program using the internet, electronic documentation and electronic communication.
   2. Design, train and evaluate content related to educational aspects of the program.
   3. Elaborate upon the current program aspects to enhance the education and treatment of students in the program.
   4. Monitor and manage the educational lesson plans and IEP process to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed by educational guidelines.
   5. Manage and facilitate all aspects of statewide testing (PSSA, PASA, Keystones).
   6. Identify program components that require continuous quality improvement across programming.
   7. Develop, monitor and evaluate plans for improvement.
2. Communication
   1. Facilitate formal presentations on program-relevant issues at local state, or national workshops or conventions.
   2. Inspire and motivate others, provide constructive feedback, foster a positive school culture, and take initiative to address challenges.
   3. Being flexible and open to change, adjusting teaching approaches based on student needs and new information, and embracing innovative practices.
   4. Present with a professional demeanor, maintain a positive outlook, and demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching and learning.
   5. Build relationships with parents, stakeholders, and the broader community, actively participating in school events, and promote a positive school image.
3. Finance/ Budget
   1. Understands the intake process and referral system to meet the weekly budgeted census.
   2. Work with the Program Director to provide structure and guidance for classroom monetary spending for class trips, educational outings, and community-based instruction.
4. Supervision
   1. Receive supervision.
      1. Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
   2. Provides supervision.
      1. Supervise staff directly or their supervisors depending upon the personnel actions including action plans, hiring, terminations, recruitment, vacation and sick day requests. Ensures that program staffing is qualified and provides continued safety of children served with high rates of success/program completion.
5. Leadership
   1. Support and assist in the implementation of the teacher evaluation system.
   2. Interview applicants, share interview data and participate in selection discussion with the management team.
   3. Maintain comprehensive records of staff performance.
   4. Conduct formal verbal and written evaluations of each staff member at 6 months of service, 12 months, and annually thereafter (written evaluation reports will be reviewed and signed by the Director).
   5. Offer recommendations to the Director about the merit increase in accordance with the compensation guidelines.
   6. Participate in the development and implementation of the professional education plan, specifically about the behavioral/mental health programming.
   7. Provide one-on one support to new teachers by a trained mentor.
   8. Provides supervision to the Special Education Teachers. Supervision occurs on a bi-monthly or monthly basis.
   9. Participate actively in academic team meetings with classroom teams (as needed).
   10. Meet weekly with the Senior Coordinator/Director for supervision, updates, planning, etc.
   11. Participate actively in weekly staff meetings with the Director and/or management team.
   12. Facilitate in-service/training programs internally and to other programs.
   13. Participate in program development of a culturally sensitive model of delivery of services to students and families.
6. Risk Management and Safety
   1. Implement designated record reviews and compliance activities.
   2. Ensure program management is abreast of concerns and issues pertaining to records and compliance activities.
   3. Participate in compliance activities across the agency.
   4. Adhere to program-designated procedures for all physical contact with students during physical interventions, student searches, and other related activities.
   5. Assist other staff, as needed, in physical interventions to protect students and staff from harm and ensure that proper procedures are followed.
   6. Utilize data to inform instructional practices, assess student progress, and make informed decisions about school initiatives.

Qualifications

1. Education/Credentials/Licensure:
   1. Requires a bachelor's degree in special education or leadership required. A master's degree in special education or leadership is preferred.
   2. Special Education Supervisory Certificate preferred.
   3. Requires a valid state driver’s license, safe driving record, and current auto insurance.
2. Experience:
   1. Requires three (3) years of teaching experience in the field of special education.
3. Clearances Required by Applicable Regulations:
   1. State Police
   2. FBI
   3. Child Abuse Clearances
   4. Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training certificate and/or statement

Working Conditions

1. Physical Demands:
   1. This position requires operating a keypad device 50% of the day and electronic/office equipment 50% of the day. Travel is required approximately 5 times per month and works in weather conditions about 25% of the day. Travel includes transporting students to and from school, school-based appointments, and/or field trips. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower torso is used 25% of the day and upper torso is used 75%. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. For positions in the School for the Deaf, hearing and speech are not required but ASL proficiency is (see qualifications above). Walking is required 50% of the day. Standing occurs 50% of the day. Sitting happens 50% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts 10 pounds, 4 times per day. The maximum lift is under 50 pounds, 1 time per day. The position requires the ability to implement physical interventions and meet the physical demands of TCI. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
2. Mental Demands:
   1. Continually handles distractions that interfere.
   2. Frequently performs multiple tasks, makes quick decisions, and handles diversity of problems.
   3. Occasionally needs to concentrate.
3. Environmental Factors:
   1. Environmental factors require this position in schools and community.
4. Working Hours:
   1. Hours dependent on school schedule. Flexibility to meet student needs.
   2. Hours in this position at PRSD, PRSA, and Day School Greensburg follow a 12-month schedule. Hours for this position in the Day School Johnstown follow a 220-day schedule. Hours for this position in the Day School Pittsburgh follow a 210-day schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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