Teacher Special Educator, SCALE (11 months), King Open

King Open School’s commitment statement reads, “The King Open is committed to increasing every student’s ability to monitor their own learning, to recognize the role of effort in learning, and to work and succeed independently as well as cooperatively.” Through differentiation and academic rigor, the school provides a well-rounded education that develops critical and flexible thinking, collaboration skills, and a strong work ethic to prepare students for productive citizenship. Family participation and feedback are welcomed, and the school is committed to ensuring all families are deeply connected with their child’s learning and school community.

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing support and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and those with advanced learning needs.

About the role

The SCALE (Social, Communication, Academic, and Life Skills Education) program is an eleven-month substantially separate program for scholars who require intensive, specially designed instruction in a specialized classroom setting. A majority of students are on the Autism Spectrum, though the program serves students with a range of disabilities across elementary, middle, and high school, including a Post Graduate Program for young adults aged 18-22 who continue to qualify for special education services.

The Special Educator is responsible for providing specially designed instruction to students with disabilities in both general education and separate special education settings, collaborating with general education, special education, and related services staff to ensure positive educational outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct special education services to students with disabilities.
• Provide explicit instruction and/or support in reading/literacy, math, written language, and social-emotional behavior.
• Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data collection tools.
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students based on data specific to their present levels of functioning and performance.
• Provide instruction using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches to learning.
• Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff.
• Administer formal and informal assessments and analyze data to inform IEP goals, learning approaches, and support.
• Accommodate and modify student learning, and support general education teachers with implementing appropriate accommodations in the general education setting.
• Perform related duties as outlined by the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Director, and/or Coordinator of the Office of Student Services for students with mild/moderate special needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Special Education (Master’s preferred, concentration in learning disabilities preferred).
• Massachusetts Certification for students with moderate or severe special needs.
• Experience teaching or student teaching in urban environments.
• Specialized training/certification in a foundational reading program such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading.

Skills

• Broad knowledge and experience with programs and services specific to students’ areas of eligibility (e.g., autism, academic, behavior, learning).
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and support parents and families.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of inclusive educational practices, including various co-teaching approaches.
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and skills.
• Knowledge of state and federal special education guidelines and requirements.