Middle School Teacher

Who Are We?  

Blue Jay Academy is a private school for children with special needs and disabilities from grades K through 12. Serving Volusia County special needs students, Blue Jay Academy is a progressive school for children who struggle with any type of disability or special need. We work with children that have various special needs, including ADHD, Autism and Processing Deficits.

At Blue Jay Academy we provide a high-quality, friendly and caring environment with therapy in order to increase the academic and behavioral abilities of our students. Our dedicated, child centered program is the most important factor in providing the best services and education to our students.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction & Student Learning

• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and individual student learning needs.
• Differentiate instruction using appropriate teaching strategies, accommodations, and modifications.
• Assess student progress and adjust instructional methods to support student achievement.
• Maintain an organized, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain positive classroom expectations and routines.
• Implement positive behavior intervention strategies and classroom management techniques.
• Promote social, emotional, and behavioral development through positive reinforcement and modeling.
• Support students in developing independence and appropriate social skills.

Student Safety & Supervision

• Provide continuous supervision of students throughout the school day, including classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, restrooms, arrival, dismissal, and school activities.
• Follow all school safety procedures, emergency protocols, and child protection requirements.
• Promptly report accidents, injuries, safety concerns, suspected abuse, neglect, or policy violations.
• Always maintain awareness of each student’s location and well-being.

Student Support

• Assist students with activities of daily living as needed, including toileting, hygiene, feeding, mobility, and changing soiled clothing while preserving student dignity and privacy.
• Implement accommodations, behavior support strategies, and individualized student plans.
• Collaborate with therapists and other specialists to support student development.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate student records, progress reports, attendance, and required documentation.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with parents and guardians regarding student progress and classroom activities.
• Participate in parent conferences, team meetings, and other school-related meetings as required.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with administrators, teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and support staff.
• Attend required meetings, planning days, professional development, and training programs.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and school information.
• Follow all Blue Jay Academy policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Exceptional Student Education, Special Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years' experience in public or private schools, or have special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in subjects taught.
• Successful completion of all required background screenings and fingerprinting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and coworkers.
• Strong classroom management and behavior support skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect student privacy.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing student and operational needs.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Constantly (67–100% of the workday):

• Stand, walk, communicate verbally, hear, observe students, and use hands and fingers to operate classroom equipment and technology.

Frequently (34–66% of the workday):

• Sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and lift or carry up to 25 pounds.
• Assist students with mobility, transfers, toileting, personal care, and other activities of daily living.
• Respond promptly to student behaviors, medical needs, and emergency situations while maintaining a safe learning environment.

Occasionally (Up to 33% of the workday):

• Lift or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Climb stairs and reach above shoulder level.
• Participate in approved crisis prevention and intervention techniques, consistent with training and school policy, when necessary to maintain the safety of students or others.

Standard Employment Expectations

Employees are expected to perform all responsibilities in accordance with Blue Jay Academy policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes maintaining required licenses, certifications, and regulatory compliance; protecting confidential information; fulfilling mandated reporter responsibilities; promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment; and demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all interactions. Employees are expected to comply with all applicable Academy policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other Academy guidelines.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a classroom serving students with diverse learning, developmental, behavioral, and physical needs. The position requires frequent interaction with students, families, therapists, and other school personnel. Employees may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, moderate to loud noise levels, bodily fluids, cleaning and sanitizing products, and situations requiring physical intervention consistent with school training and policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Jay Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Acknowledgment

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Blue Jay Academy reserves the right to modify this job description at any time to meet the operational needs of the organization. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned.