Special Education Teacher

Qualifications:         

1. Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university, preferably in Special Education.
2. Current Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification as Teacher of Students with Moderate Special Needs, Grades 5-12.
3. SEI Endorsement.
4. Vocational teaching experience a plus.

Reports to:  Principal and Special Education Administrator

Summary of Job Description:  Our Special Education teachers are crucial to ensuring all our diverse learners have success in both their academic courses and their vocational program. The Special Education teacher is responsible for creating a flexible program and learning environment that provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities, such that the student benefit from the regular education curriculum to the greatest extent possible when supported with supplemental aides, accommodations, and other needed supports. Special Education teachers analyze data, support and implement behavior management plans, communicate with parents/guardians, collaborate with regular education teachers, and develop IEP goals and objectives that address students of all ability levels.

Responsibilities:

1. Formulate, write and implement Individual Education Plans (IEP).
2. Plan a program of studies that meets the developmental level and unique learning style of diverse learners.
3. Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting state and federal mandated curriculum objectives.
4. Use formative and summative assessments and document student progress; assess and analyze student strengths; design and implement appropriate instruction to facilitate learning and growth.
5. Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
6. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
7. Objectively evaluate academic and/or behavioral outcomes through a system of data collection and analysis that drives decision making.
8. Provide progress reports for assigned students according to departmental policy.
9. As the liaison to assigned students, chair progress update and annual meetings along with other designated duties in the role of liaison.
10. Provide in-service education and serves as consult to teachers and school staff members, as needed, on topics concerning Special Education.
11. Collaborate with other educators, related service providers and parents to maximize student outcomes.
12. Remain current with accepted and appropriate instructional theory, practice and research - including engaging in regular and strategic professional development to stay current in best practices for diverse learners.
13. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
14. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to communicate these objectives to students.
15. Implements the district’s mission, philosophy of education and instructional standards and objectives.
16. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
17. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy regulation.
18. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
19. Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
20. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness.
21. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships others.
22. Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students.
23. Attend staff and department meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
24. Other duties deemed necessary by the Superintendent/Director or designee.

Evaluation:  Evaluated in accordance with the DESE Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice and the current Northeast Teachers’ Association contract.

Terms of Employment: 

1. 184 day work year
2. Salary and benefits in accordance with NTA contract