SY 26/27: Special Education Teacher

Starting date: August 24, 2026. Full-time position.

About the role

The Ayer Shirley Regional School District is seeking a Special Education Teacher to provide inclusive support for students with disabilities in a co-taught classroom environment. This role involves leading and overseeing paraprofessionals while collaborating with classroom teachers to implement IEP accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Modifies and/or adapts classroom work to provide students with instructional materials aligned with individualized education programs (IEPs) within established lesson plans.
• Works cooperatively with general education teachers to assist students with work initiation and completion.
• Administers developmental testing programs and subject-specific assessments to evaluate student competency, monitor progress, and develop IEPs.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians on student progress, communicating expectations, achievements, and methods for improvement.
• Assesses student progress toward objectives (e.g., behavioral, motor development, communication, academic, and vocational abilities) and provides feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, counselors, school personnel, parents, and community resources to improve student outcomes and achieve classroom objectives.
• Directs instructional assistants to ensure an effective classroom program and address individual student needs.
• Works with students and school-based mental health professionals to help students recognize and understand thoughts and emotions, manage stress, and maintain positive relationships with teachers and peers.
• Monitors students’ behavior and activities in various educational environments to ensure a safe and positive learning environment.
• Participates in and/or coordinates meetings to convey or gather information required for job functions.
• Prepares written materials to document student progress and meet mandated requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the building principal.

Requirements

• Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in either Moderate Disabilities (Pk-8 or 5-12) or Severe Disabilities (all levels).
• Previous experience with students with social/emotional needs preferred.
• Reading certification in Wilson or Orton-Gillingham preferred.

Pay

$55,430 to $110,948 per year.