Special Education Teacher: Southbridge High School*

About the role

Southbridge Public Schools serves approximately 2,200 students across six schools and is currently undergoing an exciting and measurable transformation. Our secondary schools, particularly Southbridge Middle School, have shown remarkable improvements through a process that has enhanced culture, climate, and instruction.

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, for designated students receiving services in an inclusion setting.
• 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.
• Assess 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.
• Serve as the contact person for designated caseload, including completion of all associated paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports, etc.), management of the Team process (conducting Annual Reviews, conferencing w/ parents/Team members, etc.), and maintenance of communication between teachers, specialists, families, and any outside providers.
• Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students.
• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the 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.
• Strive by instruction and action to implement the district's philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Determine the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Follow the Southbridge Public Schools code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and develops rules of classroom behavior which are enforced in a fair and just manner.
• Plan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals, and make written evaluations as required.
• Maintain an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional.
• Takes an active part in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation.
• Attend building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day.
• Attend established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers' contract.
• Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Provide supervision to assigned paraprofessionals.
• Cookordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and the efficient use of resources.
• Consult with staff and administration on instructional/student issues as an active, participatory Team member.

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-12 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.