Special Education Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY

Letters of application are being accepted for the position of special education instructor, grades 9-12. All applicants must be licensed or licensable by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as a special education instructor (severe or moderate special needs 5-12). Teacher license standards and curriculum frameworks are available on the DESE website, (www.doe.mass.edu). Applicants should be familiar with the Massachusetts English Language Arts, mathematics, and science curriculums, as well as alternative MCAS testing. Applicants should be familiar with the SkillsUSA program standards (www.skillsusa.org). Applicants should have the strong desire and ability to work collaboratively to promote inclusion of adolescents in a high school setting. Crucial to professional success is the ability to adapt to current educational scenarios, implement change, and maintain flexibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.    Knowledge of instructional practice and individual learning styles.
2.    Knowledge of technology-assisted teaching techniques and internet-based research.
3.    Knowledge of formative and summative assessment practices.
4.    Knowledge of the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks for English Language Arts, mathematics, and science.
5.    Knowledge of MCAS standards and requirements.
6.    Knowledge of skills and techniques for successfully working with students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Accommodation Plans, and making the related necessary classroom accommodations.
7.    Knowledge of procedures and timelines for identifying students with disabilities, implementing IEPs, and working collaboratively with colleagues to effectively meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
8.    Knowledge of the Massachusetts Model System for Educator Evaluation.
9.    Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Utilize standards-based teaching, assessment, and grading for all aspects of English Language Arts, mathematics, and science courses.
2.    Develops and implements an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP) for all students that are determined eligible for special education services. This includes the creation of goals with benchmark objectives, on-going assessments, and providing quarterly written progress reports.
3.    Participates in and maintains compliance with all federal and state mandated procedures and timelines for the identification of students requiring special education services and for the completion of special education paperwork. This includes facilitating Team meetings and providing all data as required by the special education department for reporting.
4.    Works collaboratively with general education teachers to implement IEPs and ensure appropriate accommodations and modifications are provided in the general education academic and technical settings.
5.    Develop and implement MCAS instructional programs.
6.    Effectively plan daily lessons that are aligned to school standards, foster student engagement, and employ a variety of instructional techniques and resources to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
7.    Provide support for students with disabilities in reaching appropriate proficiency levels in standards-based grading environments.
8.    Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and families concerning the broad academic, technical, social-emotional, and behavioral progress of assigned students.
9.    Implement all schoolwide initiatives and facilitate student’s involvement.
10.    Ability to transport students in school vehicle(s).
11.    Assume the obligations ordinarily associated with the teaching profession.