You Are:
A kind, communicative, social justice leader that seeks a Middle School Special Education
teaching position, with a strong belief that you will prepare students with Individualized
Education Plans to thrive in college, career, and life. You want to teach students in order to
create a more just and equitable world. You have a growth mindset, want to develop the
perspective, agency, and urgency to make a positive impact in the world around you, and take
actions that promote justice and equity in your community.
We Are E.L. Haynes.
A learning community where every student – of every race, socioeconomic status, home
language, and ability – prepares to thrive in college, career, and life. Together, we create a
more just and kind world.
Founded in 2004 and named for the first African-American woman to earn her Ph.D. in
Mathematics, the award-winning E.L. Haynes Public Charter School serves more than 1,135
students in grades Pre-K3 through 12th grade. E.L. Haynes operates two campuses in the
Petworth neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC, and offers a rigorous educational program
designed to prepare students to succeed in the college of their choice.
We believe that our most significant contribution to ending systemic injustice is through
purposefully empowering our diverse community— as individuals and as a collective— with the
skills and the conviction to be effective leaders for equity.
Our mission of student success is inextricably linked with our commitment to equity and the
daily efforts of every member of our community to live our motto-Be Kind, Work Hard, and Get
Smart.
We:
Lead For Equity: We challenge ourselves and each other to interrupt inequities and build
equitable alternatives.
Choose Joy: We find, bring, and share joy in our work every day. We practice gratitude,
celebrate wins, and offer praise.
Achieve Excellence: We deliver high-quality work every day. We set ambitious goals,
embrace challenges, and hold ourselves and each other to high standards.
Own Our Learning: We model a growth mindset for our students. We own our actions,
mistakes, and learning. We continually look for ways to improve and produce high-quality
work.
Succeed Together: We value every member of our community and treat each other with
kindness and care. We build meaningful relationships with students, families, and each
other. We achieve more through collaboration and teamwork.
We are different. We are:
A diverse and inclusive community, with nearly 70% of our staff identifying as people of
color.
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The hub of the neighborhood. We are a community school and partner with neighborhood
organizations to provide our families with comprehensive medical, dental, and mental
health services.
A place where all community members have their voices heard in the decision-making
process
A school where students learn in a rigorous and coherent PK-12 environment
We expect students to demonstrate the following skills and qualities in our graduate profile.
ABOUT OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAM
E.L. Haynes provides a rigorous and engaging college preparatory curriculum for students in
grades Pre-K through 12. Our instructional program provides intensive learning experiences that
deepen understanding at all grade levels so that every student is prepared to become kind and
curious community members, lifelong learners, and leaders of social justice.
Please read more about our academic program here.
Student Support Team Model:
Our strong belief is that all students, including those with disabilities, can achieve at high levels.
We also believe that all students benefit from the inclusion of students with disabilities in the
general education classroom. Both research and our own experience demonstrate that students
with disabilities perform better with greater access to the general education curriculum and non-
disabled peers. Based on this belief, we only remove students from the general education
classroom when absolutely necessary for the student to learn. Our special education program is
designed to provide access to our students with disabilities through Individualized Education
Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.
About The Position:
Special Education Teachers work with students with learning, mental, emotional, or physical
disabilities by providing specially designed instruction aligned with individualized education plans
and 504s. Working alongside general classroom teachers and in coordination with related
service providers, Special Education Teachers serve as case managers, assess and monitor
students' progress, design and update IEPs, and collaborate with parents and other school staff
to track students' progress.
This 10-month, full-time role will report to the Assistant Director of Student Support Services at
the middle school campus.
You Will:
Provide support and ensure students receive accommodations and modifications to the
curriculum, lessons, and learning environment;
Maintain a caseload of students with identified special needs;
Work together with other teachers and specialists through our inclusive program to reach
all students;
Keep students on track for success by monitoring progress and data;
Ensure services and supports are in compliance with Washington, D.C. and federal laws
and regulations;
Advocate for students so staff and families understand exceptionalities and the
community can support every student’s achievement;
Collaborate with general education and other support teachers to ensure student success;
Create a positive and supportive classroom culture and environment that puts
relationships with students first;
Engage parents and families in their students' academic success;
Lead a morning meeting or advisory group to build community and for social, emotional,
and academic support;
Be an active member of the school community, attending and participating in school
events outside of regular school hours, and completing other duties as assigned; and
Own your learning through participation in ongoing instructional feedback cycles and
individual and team professional development.
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You Have:
A bachelor’s degree;
Two or more years of experience teaching students with disabilities and/or special needs
in culturally, demographically, and socially diverse educational settings;
A background in math instruction;
Experience in data-driven instruction;
A clear understanding of standards-based curriculum and standards-based assessment;
Demonstrated experience, comfort, and success in building a positive and supportive
classroom culture;
Used models and exemplars to drive instruction;
Strong collaboration skills in order to ensure student success; and
Full COVID-19 vaccination.
You Might Also Have:
A Washington, D.C. teaching certification;
A strong background in differentiated and individualized instruction;
Experience in hands-on learning such as experiential learning or project-based learning;
Proficiency in another language; and
A master’s degree in education or your subject area.
We Look Forward To Meeting You!
We proactively recruit, intentionally develop, and deeply value all members of our diverse and
highly talented staff community. Our work environment fosters inclusion and authenticity,
supporting all staff to thrive in their roles and maximize their impact on our students.
Our hiring process consists of an online application, a one-way virtual interview and a final panel
interview with a lesson plan demonstration. Please see more here.
