Special Education Teachers

Grades PK-SP

GENERAL DESCRIPTION (1-3 LINES DESCRIBING ROLE):
The Special Education Teacher is responsible for implementing IEPs for students with disabilities. This can include direct service, inclusion support and consultation. The Special Education teacher works to maintain compliance with all procedures and regulations under IDEA. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: parent communication, direct service to students including direct teaching in a small groups, collaboration with related service providers, compliance with paperwork tracking.
QUALIFICATIONS:
QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid Massachusetts DESE licensure in special education moderate or severe disabilities Prior successful classroom teaching experiences Effective communication, planning, organization, presentation, and leadership skills; able to work with and motivate others Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of effective instructional strategies, research-based best practices and a variety of assessment methods Understands the purpose and specifics of core, supplemental, and intervention programs Models direct, explicit systematic instruction including effective teaching techniques and strategies Understands and interprets diagnostic, formative, and summative data, to inform instructional decisions Enhances own professional knowledge, skills, and expertise about effective instruction and school improvement Knowledge and understanding of effective strategies for instructing diverse learners Able to work effectively and efficiently without constant supervision Demonstrates knowledge of state, and district standards and trends concerning instructional methods, resources, and strategies Demonstrates proficiency with technology including database systems and data warehouses, and a willingness to innovatively use instructional technology Exhibits professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents and students Strong commitment to student achievement and improvement
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (NOT LIMITED TO):
Establish and maintain a safe functional learning environment. Identifies students’ needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in data assessment and intervention strategies Assess and progress monitor students’ academic growth to guide instruction and keep appropriate records in collaboration with the administration Provides targeted instruction Assists staff with the understanding and interpretation of assessment data to inform wider view instructional decisions Adheres to state and district initiatives in all content areas for intervention practices Collaborates with staff members regarding effective instruction and intervention Supports the goals, objectives, strategies outlined in the IEP Adheres to the alignment of standards/curriculum with related instructional materials, strategies and activities Regular and on-time attendance is required Complete other non-administrative duties as assigned Plan lessons, coordinate planning with other teachers using thematic frameworks as appropriate, remediate student specific IEP goals and objectives, collect data on student performance and progress, and complete progress reports Attend planning meetings with Student Support Services administrators. Schedule students and staff for instruction, plan thematic units. Instruct small groups of students with academic and social pragmatic challenges in reading/language arts, math and social skills using multi-modal, thematic lessons that support students’ IEP goals and objectives. Communicate proactively with parents regarding program schedule and expectations, communication systems and all relevant information. Write a Welcome letter to parents two weeks prior to the program start date with logistical information and contact information. Ensure that the summer nurse has appropriate medical information for each enrolled student and that appropriate student safety procedures are in place as appropriate. Collaborate with the nurse to ensure that any potential medical challenges are understood and addressed. Collect IEP goals and objectives for students recommended by IEP Teams to ensure that summer remediation is consistent with individualized recommendations. Collect daily/weekly data on student performance. Ensure that progress reports are written in ways that align with each student’s specific goals and objectives that require ESY support. Oversee and facilitate the sending and organization of ESY Progress Reports. Work with Special Education Administrator(s) and staff to implement any customized program that might be required. Address parental concerns as they arise. Supervise Educational Support Professionals to ensure that they understand each student’s required instruction and accommodations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work Environment: The work environment is in a classroom setting interacting with students. Physical Requirements: Ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating etc., Ability to physically respond to students who are physically unsafe and use physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process (verbal de-escalation is preferred), Ability to physically maintain a safe learning environment, including moving furniture in response to a crisis situation. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Program Dates/Times: Programs are 5 weeks or 7 weeks depending upon classroom assignment 5 week program dates are: Weeks of: July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, & Aug 5 7 week program dates are: Tentatively between 6/24/2024 and 8/14/2024 pending 2023-2024 school calendar Positions available for programs that are 2 days per week (Tues & Thur), 3 days (Tues-Thur), or 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs) 9am-2pm. Program dates, hours, and rate will be stipulated in contract