Special Education Teacher - Middle School

North Andover Middle School is looking for a dedicated, talented, and certified special education teacher for our THRIVE Program. This program is responsible for delivering high quality social-emotional learning, along with a strong curriculum/academic background. Our students are supported in the inclusion setting thanks to the program’s ability to consult with general education teachers regarding social-emotional learning needs of students. Candidates should have a commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse population, experience working in middle school, proven ability to work as a member of a team, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to their own learning.

North Andover Middle School serves more than 1,100 students and their families in grades 6-8. Our entire faculty and staff work with students to achieve high academic and social standards as well as personal and community responsibility. Personal and academic growth as well as building skills in self advocacy during the middle school years prepares students for high school and beyond. Our learning approach is to offer a balanced instructional program in a team setting that emphasizes academic integrity while making an emotional connection with the students as they continue to develop social skills.

JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher (THRIVE)

REPORTS TO: Principal and/or Special Ed Administrator 

LOCATION: North Andover Middle School

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The special education teacher is responsible for delivering high quality, specialized instructional experience consistent with the curriculum standards of the school district and state. The specialized instruction will look different depending on whether it's inclusion or a sub-separate program setting. The school district has multiple programs across 8 schools. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred 
• Massachusetts certification in specific area(s)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide learning experiences in a subject area, guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment that is conducive to student learning. 
• Maintain classroom management. 
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement. 
• Responsible for using innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn. 
• Follows professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents and colleagues. 
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy. 
• Maintains and improves professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for re-certification. 
• Plan and instruct study skills, social skills (Social Thinking Program), bullying prevention and behavior skills 
• Write goals, objectives, present level of performance, progress reports and all appropriate documentation for students’ Individual Education Plans using ESPED. 
• Provide general education teachers with copies of IEP, collaborate with general education teachers to understand student’s classroom needs, and consult. 
• Maintain student data, notes, progress, behavior, and emotional status in the students’ binders. 
• Maintain a student specific school-to-home communication system. 
• Develop and disseminate staff and student schedules. 
• Active and knowledgeable participation in team meetings. 
• Maintain student and staff confidentiality in all settings to include but not limited to: classroom, hallways, and out of school settings. 
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building principal. 

Working Conditions: Working in a school setting. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 

WORK YEAR: 184 days 

SALARY: As negotiated with North Andover Teachers Association. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.