Special Education Teacher

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development and Implementation
• Develop and implement a curriculum tailored to meet the specific needs of students with severe/intensive special needs.
• Prepare weekly educational plans that align with each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Conduct ongoing assessments to track each student's academic progress and adjust teaching methods and plans as needed.
• Classroom and Schedule Management
• Plan and oversee the daily classroom schedule, ensuring that all educational, personal care, and medical needs are met.
• Supervise and evaluate teacher assistants, cooperating teachers, and other classroom personnel, ensuring effective delivery of services.
• Cooking Room and Storage Space Maintenance
• Oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of the classroom, including specialized areas such as the cooking room and storage spaces.
• Coordinate the schedules of all ancillary personnel, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and nursing staff, to support student needs.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Maintain regular communication with nursing staff to ensure a sound understanding of students' medical conditions and changing health status.
• Foster open communication with social workers, parents, guardians, and other team members regarding students' educational progress and needs.
• Participate in team meetings, IEP/ISP meetings, clinics, and in-services, providing input and collaborating on strategies for student success.
• Student Supervision and Support
• Directly supervise the educational and personal care needs of students, including lifting, positioning, and other physical management as necessary.
• Ensure the implementation of individualized goals outlined in each student's IEP/ISP.
• Support students' social and emotional development, encouraging positive behavior and self-advocacy.
• Documentation and Reporting
• Complete and distribute progress notes that detail each student’s progress toward meeting IEP goals, including distribution to parents/legal guardians, LEAs, and other relevant team members.
• Aid in drafting IEPs, ISP updates, MDS, and quarterly progress reports.
• Ensure timely completion of all required activities, testing, and reporting for state assessments (MCAS).
• Staff Training and Development
• Model and teach new skills to teacher assistants and other classroom staff to enhance their effectiveness in supporting students.
• Plan and participate in in-services, staff development programs, and educational workshops to continuously improve the team’s knowledge and skills.
• Promote a cooperative and flexible environment to ensure smooth transitions between departments and services for students.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless transitions for students moving between services.
• Develop communication systems for students, utilizing consultants as needed to enhance each student’s ability to communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Current Massachusetts certification or provisional certification in Severe/Intensive Special Needs, or certification from another state with the ability to transfer to Massachusetts.
• Certification in a related field, with active enrollment in a program leading to Massachusetts certification in Severe/Intensive Special Needs.
• Experience working with students with severe/intensive special needs in a school or clinical setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of IEP/ISP development, educational strategies, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Ability to perform physical management tasks as needed, including lifting and positioning students.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams of professionals.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing nurturing and supportive care to students.