Elementary Special Education Teacher: Autism Specific PreK Classroom

About the role

Southbridge Public Schools serves approximately 2,200 students in six schools. The district is currently undergoing extensive turnaround efforts, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This includes a partnership with the University of Connecticut to develop Southbridge Schools as a national demonstration site for PBIS strategies, as well as receipt of several significant grants for curriculum enhancements, improved culture and climate, and afterschool opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria as needed, as well as assistive/educational technology in the classroom.
• Collaborate with grade level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services to assigned students.
• Promote and assist in the implementation of research-based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students' academic and social goals within the regular education environment and throughout the school.
• Absess student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Assure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establish and communicate clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects.
• Prepare for classes assigned, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers' contract.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs of capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Maintain an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional.
• Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution; Hold a valid Massachusetts Teaching License in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8 OR Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, All Levels; Hold a valid Massachusetts SEI Endorsement OR Grade-level appropriate ESL License; Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified; Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.
• PREFERRED: Experience in urban, high-poverty, and/or turnaround schools; Major/minor in specific teaching content area; Additional certification in Teacher of English Language Learners (ESL); Demonstrated experience in English Language Development (ELD) and Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) strategies strongly preferred; Bilingual language proficiency (Spanish/English) strongly preferred. The applicant should have knowledge and/or experience with students with moderate to severe needs.