Special Education Teacher - Structured Learning Center

Job Goal: To help students with disabilities learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able and responsible men and women by Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This position is within our Structured Learning Center Program. Supervision: Reports to the Building Principal and the Director of Pupil Services Education, Work Experience, and Licensure: Required: DESE License as a Special Education Teacher, moderate disabilities (Gr. 5-12). Acceptable C.O.R.I. and Fingerprint report as determined by the Superintendent. Preferred: Prior work experience as a Special Education Teacher Dual Licensure Competency in the use of current related educational technology Performance Responsibilities: - Champion the district’s effort to effectively and successfully serve all students. - Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of the students. - Analyze data, share and use data to inform instruction to support student needs, interests, and the abilities of the students. - Knowledge of a variety of academic strategies and differentiating instruction. - Commitment to curriculum, instruction, and assessment with fidelity of implementation. - Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of student - Provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities consistent with state and federal regulations. - Coordinates and supervises work experience and job-training programs involving students with special needs. - Works cooperatively with classroom teachers, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of students to the entire staff and assisting the student with modification of regular class assignments. - Strong behavioral management skills. - Supporting social/emotional and behavioral skills development. - Confers frequently with caregivers and professional staff members regarding the educational, social, and personal problems of such students. - Assists other professional staff members in resolving the unique psychological or disciplinary problems of each student. - Assists in screening, evaluating, and recommending placements of students in the school’s Special Education programs. - Counsels individuals and groups of students with educational, occupational, and personal problems. - Assists students in making realistic assessments of their abilities and in establishing educational and occupational goals in keeping with these abilities. - Provides motivation to all students. - Oversees tutors and paraprofessionals as designated by the Principal or the Superintendent. - Completes and maintains records and documentation pertinent to the Special Education program as required by state and federal special education regulations. - Participates in transition planning and preparation for adult life experiences. - Takes responsibility for professional growth and development. - As part of the pre-referral process, provides specialized instruction to general education students. - Adapts curriculum and teaching strategies and methods as appropriate to meet the individual social, emotional, and intellectual needs of assigned students in special and general education settings. - Conducts educational evaluations and writes comprehensive reports on referred students. - Interprets educational test results and makes recommendations on how best to meet the educational needs of a student to school personnel, other concerned professionals, parents, and, as appropriate, the students. - Participates in case conferences, special education team meetings, and faculty meetings on a before or after school basis when assigned. - Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive classroom environment. - Selects and requests books and instructional aides appropriate to the ability, interest, and maturity level of students; maintains required inventory records. - Identifies student needs and works with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude, and learning problems. - Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical capacity of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved. - Communicates with parents and school personnel on student progress. - Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports, updated IEP goals and objectives. - Engages in ongoing curriculum development activities as part of the district’s goal of maintaining a contemporary instructional program. - Develops lesson plans based on the state standards and the appropriate instruction methodology. - Administers and monitors group tests. - Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. - Participates on faculty committees as assigned. - Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the school and/or through self-selected professional growth activities. - Compiles case history data on students for whom additional family history, health history, early developmental history, and environmental history are deemed appropriate per state regulations. - Complies with district, state, and federal policies and regulations, which includes meeting deadlines for written documents. - Evaluates students’ academic and social progress, keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports. - Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, school policy, and administrative procedures. - Acts as a Mandated Reporter (Chapter 119, Section 51A). - Complies with the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Policy. - Any other duties may be assigned by the Superintendent.