Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher - Southbridge High School

Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2,200 students in six schools. The district is undergoing extensive turnaround at all levels with assistance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, creating unique opportunities for teachers and students. The district partners with the University of Connecticut to develop Southbridge Schools as a national demonstration site for successful implementation of PBIS strategies. Significant grants support secondary school redesign, curriculum enhancements, improved culture and climate, and afterschool opportunities for students.

Responsibilities

• Plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Collaborate with grade-level classroom teachers, special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive services to assigned students.
• Promote and assist in implementing research-based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students’ academic and social goals within the regular education environment.
• Assess student progress toward objectives, expectations, and goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development, communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities) to provide feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Serve as the contact person for a designated caseload, including completing all associated paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports), managing the Team process (conducting Annual Reviews, conferencing with parents/Team members), and maintaining communication between teachers, specialists, families, and outside providers.
• Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment.
• Use a multi-disciplinary approach to gather various sources of information for progress monitoring and implement data-based decision-making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
• Prepare for assigned classes and provide written evidence of preparation upon request of the immediate supervisor.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media consistent with the needs and capabilities of students.
• Implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals, objectives, and performance expectations through instruction and action.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Diagnose the learning challenges of students on a regular basis and seek assistance from district specialists as required.
• Take all necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follow the Southbridge Public Schools code of conduct for the classroom and develop fair rules of classroom behavior.
• Plan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals and provide written evaluations as required.
• Maintain an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district and personal expectations.
• Participate in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process.
• Attend building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision-making, including those held during extended days.
• Attend traditional school-sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House).
• Contribute to district and building decisions regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personnel well-being.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Provide supervision to assigned paraprofessionals.
• Coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and efficient use of resources.
• Consult with staff and administration on instructional and student issues as an active Team member.
• Perform other duties as reasonably required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Valid Massachusetts Teaching License in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities.
• Valid Massachusetts SEI Endorsement OR Grade-level appropriate ESL License.
• Meet all state and federal guidelines to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in urban, high-poverty, and/or turnaround schools.
• Major or minor in a 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.
• Bilingual language proficiency (Spanish/English).
• Knowledge and/or experience with students with moderate to severe needs.