1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher (LIFT)

Special Education Teacher (LIFT)

Reading Public Schools is a vibrant and inclusive educational community dedicated to providing exceptional learning experiences for all students. Our commitment to inclusive education ensures that every student, regardless of their individual needs, has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. We are currently seeking a dynamic and dedicated Special Education Teacher (LIFT) to join our team.

The Special Education Teacher plays a crucial role in facilitating the academic and skill development of students within the LIFT Program. This program is specifically designed for students aged 18-22 who haven't obtained their high school diplomas and need tailored special education support. The Special Education Teacher's responsibility includes adhering to Special Education Laws while focusing on enhancing students' cognitive learning abilities. This entails delivering subject matter and skill instruction tailored to individual student needs in functional academics, vocational skills, and transitional skills.

Responsibilities include:

• Teach district-approved curriculum covering functional academics, vocational skills, and transitional skills
• Develop instructional materials and lesson plans, modifying and accommodating individual students’ needs
• Collaborate with the Transitional Specialist to identify vocational opportunities within the district and community
• Facilitate community integration and job site experiences for students
• Establish and maintain classroom structure and behavioral standards for effective learning
• Create engaging learning environments through displays and exhibits of student work
• Evaluate academic and social progress, maintain records, and prepare progress reports
• Identify student needs, make referrals, and implement individual education plans
• Contribute to curriculum goal planning and student performance objectives
• Assist students in setting and achieving learning goals
• Assess student accomplishment, record progress, and adjust learning activities as needed
• Collaborate with parents to guide student growth and development
• Demonstrate understanding of students' disabilities and adapt curriculum accordingly
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to student population and certification
• Provide physical and safety support for students as needed
• Communicate regularly with parents via newsletters, notes, calls, conferences, etc
• Collaborate with specialists, service providers, staff, parents, and agencies to address student needs
• Coordinate paraeducators, parents, and volunteers in classroom activities and field trips
• Manage physical facilities, equipment, and supplies efficiently
• Contribute to the cooperative operation of the school community
• Maintain understanding of district-wide program philosophies and principles
• Adhere to state and federal special education regulations, including IDEA and 603 CMR 28.00
• Follow standards and indicators outlined in the Reading Public Schools Teacher Assessment Process (TAP)
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Massachusetts teacher licensure in Moderate or Severe Disabilities, or the ability to obtain certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Apply current research and theory in education
• Plan and implement lessons aligned with objectives and student needs
• Communicate clearly in oral and written forms
• Present information effectively to various groups
• Analyze professional literature and governmental regulations
• Write reports and correspondence
• Use reasoning to evaluate information and recommend actions
• Define problems, collect data, and draw conclusions
• Utilize evidence-based research for decision-making
• Establish effective relationships with stakeholders
• Work independently and manage multiple projects
• Use instructional technology appropriately
• Adhere to district, state, and federal requirements
• Maintain confidentiality in special education procedures
• Respond professionally to unpredictable situations
• Coordinate and participate in professional development
• Operate computer and Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience in writing IEPs and knowledge of special education law
• Evaluate student skills and write interpretive reports
• Collaborative, teaching, coaching, and leadership skills
• Strong problem-solving and data-collection abilities
• Organizational skills for multitasking
• Proactive and solution-focused approach
• Background in assistive technology and social skills training
• Preferred Transition Endorsement

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises the classroom and students

Physical Demands:

• Regular movement throughout the school to provide services.
• Occasional traversal throughout the school building.
• Stationary position for extended periods.
• Occasional reaching with hands and arms, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Frequent use of hands for tasks such as typing and handling tools.
• Ability to input information into a computer and read material from various sources.
• Effective communication with students, parents, and staff in person and over the telephone.
• Continuous seeing and hearing in the classroom for student safety and instruction.
• Occasional need to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.

Work Environment:

• Normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise.
• Interaction with students, parents, and staff members.
• Direct responsibility for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.
• Majority of the work day spent inside, but occasional outdoor time for fire drills and special activities.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

EEO Statement

Reading Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Position: Special Education Teacher

Department: Building

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Union: Reading Teachers Association

Pre-Employment Screening: CORI, Criminal