Special Education Teacher - Intensive Learning Program, Concord Middle School

Concord Middle School is seeking a skilled and experienced special education teacher to serve as the Lead Teacher in its Intensive Learning Program named Connections starting late January 2025. This position is professional status track position, not a Long Term sub. The Connections program is designed for students with cognitive/intellectual impairments, neurological disabilities, neurodevelopmental disabilities, including ASD, and other related disabilities who require intensive support and instruction throughout their school day. Programming ranges from sub-separate to supported inclusion. The program is designed to provide a safe and supportive educational environment in which students receive specialized instruction in academics, communication, social skills, and daily living skills needed to be contributing members of the school and community. A primary focus of the program is to develop skills and foster independence necessary to access curricula and participate meaningfully in the life of the school. Students’ individualized needs are met through a transdisciplinary approach using evidence-based teaching practices. The program involves a transdisciplinary team of a Special Education Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Counselor, General Education Teacher(s), and Paraprofessionals. The Team utilizes individualized data-driven teaching approaches that may include: staff and peer modeling, task analysis, small group instruction, discrete trial teaching, naturalistic teaching approaches, collaborative groups, and functional communication training. Students have access to standards-based curricula with modifications and accommodations, as needed. If a student is not able to access grade-level curriculum with modifications, specialized programs are utilized. By providing students with curriculum at their instructional level and pace, they develop and gain independence and increase self-esteem. Key Duties and Responsibilities: - Plan effective specialized instruction and intervention for students on IEPs within the program - Administer formal diagnostic assessments and tests for caseload students referred for three-year reevaluations Administer ongoing progress monitoring, strategic monitoring and benchmark systems - Schedule, prepare for, and chair Team meetings for caseload students - Write comprehensive progress reports and IEPs - Collaborate with general education, paraprofessionals, and related service staff with respect to appropriate services, accommodations and modifications - Seek out and promote meaningful inclusionary experiences for the students - Provide ongoing positive communication with parents - Collect and analyze student data against IEP goals - Train, supervise and plan for educational assistants to support students throughout the day Qualifications: - Master’s degree preferred;must have a Massachusetts licensure in Moderate or Severe Special Needs through the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education - Must have demonstrated success with and be knowledgeable about current research-based interventions for children with significant disabilities - Must possess demonstrated ability to develop positive behavior intervention plans; Experience/training with inclusive practices - Experience with the administration and interpretation of a wide range of formal and informal diagnostic assessment and evaluation tools - Excellent writing and communication skills required Equal Opportunity Employer Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.