BVP is an intentionally diverse network of tuition-free public charter schools. As a founding member of the National Coalition of Diverse Charter Schools, BVP offers a high-quality school choice to the families of Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Pawtucket. 

The mission of Blackstone Valley Prep is to prepare every scholar to achieve their goals for college and the world beyond. BVP’s scholars will graduate empowered as learners, individuals, and community members to access opportunities and break down barriers.

Apart from academics, we believe that preparing scholars for the world beyond also means experiencing the diversity of the world we live in today. Our network is designed to be diverse, accepting students from the four communities that share a region but differ substantially in their socio-economic, racial, and ethnic demographics.  We seek to create a staff with a similarly diverse set of backgrounds and experiences that reflect that of our students, families, and communities. Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP) Mayoral Academy is now hiring dedicated team members who are willing to do whatever it takes to put all scholars on a path to college. Successful candidates should understand and advocate for the importance of equity in classrooms, curriculums, and throughout school systems.

Learn more about why BVP is different. 

Expectations of a BVP Team Member include (but are not limited to):

• Acts on the belief that 100% of scholars can be successful in college and the world beyond

• Embraces the diversity of the BVP community by fostering an environment of respect and inclusion while actively working to build an equitable school community

• Cultivates the social and personal skills that will serve scholars’ in a complex world. 

• Engages meaningfully in school and network professional growth opportunities and enhances professional growth by giving and seeking assistance from other team members

• Acts ethically and with integrity while following all school, network, and state policies

• Engages families as partners in scholar success while recognizing and respecting differences in family backgrounds, structures, and cultures

• Attends mandatory professional development and family meet and greets

Opportunities and Benefits for a BVP Team Member include (but are not limited to): 

• Competitive salary range commensurate with experience and comprehensive medical and dental plan*

• Internal hiring to capitalize on strengths and interests 

• Collaborative, team-driven culture

• Instructional coaching

• Referral bonuses

• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and tuition reimbursement for all employees

• All staff members receive a minimum of 7 personal days per year

• 401(k) retirement plan that is 100% vested immediately with an employer match of 5%

• Generous parental leave benefits (paid time off, extended leave available, etc.)

• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care (matched)

• Longevity Bonuses

• Impact Factors (additional compensation for shared experiences and education/certification beyond what is required)

• School-aged children of BVP employees receive preference in enrollment (restrictions apply)

• Paid summer opportunities

*BVP has a policy not to negotiate on salaries. Allowing for negotiations undermines the economic equity we strive for as an organization. We endeavor to pay people well and appreciate our employees.  Our transparent salary scale is based on the experience, competencies, and responsibilities required to thrive in this role.

Transitional Learning Center/Special Class Special Educators are expected to:

• Provide direct instruction in a special class integrated in a school building and address academic, social-emotional, and functional goals for identified scholars in regards to their specific IEP Goals

• Possess skills and experience in teaching, case management, behavior management, and intervention techniques

• Be skilled in the use of Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans as well as writing Individualized Education Plans

• Be skilled in supporting students with various communication needs; using assistive technology and low-tech options to support both functional and academic communication skills 

• Be comfortable with the use of physical intervention (as a last resort) and MUST be willing to be CPI certified 

• Participate in departmental meetings, family engagement activities, and whole-school professional development opportunities

• Establish clear expectations for systems and routines that align to the TLC Program Vision

• Design accommodations and modifications for instruction based on scholar need (including general education classroom lessons and assessments and modified curriculum, when appropriate) and implements the instruction of these lessons

• Collaborate with general educators, aides, and related service providers on the implementation of accommodations, modifications, and services

• Monitor, implement, and evaluate BVP Support Plans (ex. communication plans, toileting, behavior intervention plans, PCA, or IA plans, etc.) as required based on individual scholar needs.

• Oversee support staff assigned to the classroom, providing on-site direction and training, as required, to address the academic, social-emotional and functional needs of individual students. This may include:

• Providing real-time feedback to staff as needed

• Observing and providing written feedback to staff

• Meeting with coachees (pod-style or individually) weekly or biweekly to support development of staff

• These times should be arranged with your school-based coach to ensure adequate staffing of the TLC room during coaching meetings

• Facilitates the Alternate Assessment process for assigned students, including completing evaluations and Alternate Assessment paperwork, implementing modified curriculum, aligning IEPs to Essential Elements, and facilitating the Dynamic Learning Maps yearly assessment

• Maintain ongoing professional communication with families and outside providers, as applicable

• Maintain compliance with special education regulations and case management responsibilities

• Create differentiated schedules for students and staff within the TLC room. Regularly adjusting schedules based on student and staffing needs.  

• Case management services

Qualifications:

• Successful applicants must hold an appropriate Rhode Island Special Educator certification by their date of hire. Special Education-Severe Intellectual Disability preferred.

• Rhode Island offers reciprocity with over 30 states across the  country. Learn more here.       

• At least 3 years of experience working as a special educator strongly preferred

• CPI certification or willingness to acquire through training preferred

Compensation Range:

• Refer to Teacher STEP Scale

• In addition, eligible candidates may be considered for a leadership stipend with additional work expectations during August and throughout the school year

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, professional references’ contact information, and a cover letter highlighting your alignment with our mission online.  If your position requires certification or licensure please be sure to upload it. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regretfully can only respond to those candidates who best meet the requirements of a specific position or whose backgrounds are generally applicable to our team. If you are selected to advance in the hiring process, you will be contacted by a BVP team member.

Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or ancestry.

Required Skills