Elementary Special Education Teacher

Canton Public Schools • Canton, MA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The John F. Kennedy School is seeking an exceptional and dynamic candidate to serve as the Elementary Special Education Teacher for the upcoming school year beginning in August 2026. The Lower Elementary Special Education Teacher will join a vibrant and supportive team that places a high priority on collaboration, creativity, flexibility, and commitment to the goals of the District and to our students, families and staff. The John F. Kennedy School is an inclusive community for all students and staff and serves over 480 students in grades K-5. The John F. Kennedy School is elevating the educational experience for our students by cultivating a school culture and climate that promotes academic growth and social emotional learning for every student, and ensures high quality teaching and learning through the purposeful design of rigorous and equitable student experiences. We are eager to find the next member of our team who collaborates with other educators to create the conditions necessary so that every child experiences the true joy of learning, the excitement of achievement, areas of passion, and an authentic sense of belonging in their school. JOB SUMMARY Special Education Teachers provide a well-organized, inclusive learning environment in which students can access curriculum, develop social and emotional skills, and make progress towards Massachusetts standards. The Special Education teacher will also work collaboratively with all school staff in order to implement students Individualized Education Plans.

Requirements

• Valid Massachusetts DESE teacher certification that is appropriate for the grade level and subject area assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Highly Qualified as per Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• Proven ability to relate to a variety of constituencies, including but not limited to: administrators, parents/guardians, teachers, students, other school staff, and visitors
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Well-organized with excellent leadership abilities
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills
• Working knowledge of relevant technologies: internet and email systems; word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software; and educational software

Nice To Haves

• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the school department may find appropriate and acceptable

Responsibilities

• Participates and/or facilitates in/follows all federal and state mandated child find procedures and timelines for the identification of students requiring special education services within the school setting, including the administration of appropriate formal and informal assessment tools/measures based on the suspected area of disability
• In collaboration with the Team, develop an appropriate Individualized Education Plan for all students that are determined eligible for special education services. This includes the creation of short and long term goals, based on assessment data and targeted curriculum standards, for all of the student’s areas of identified disability
• Participate in all federal and state mandated procedures and timelines for case management for all identified students, i.e. team meetings and liaison to regular education settings
• Schedule, meet, and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated
• Collaborate with classroom teacher to plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students
• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and student engagement
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum standards and establishes clear objectives which reflect these standards for all lessons, units, and projects
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media
• Evaluate and document student work on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required
• Seek the assistance of district specialists as needed and required
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Maintain accurate and complete, student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation
• Follow and implement individual student safety plans, IEPs, 504s, health care plans, behavior support plans, etc.
• Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and parents/guardians regarding student progress and student needs
• Communicate instructional plans with Educational Support Professionals on a regular basis
• Participate in department, school meetings, and parent/guardian meetings
• Keep up to date with developments in subject area, teaching resources, and methods, and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others
• Perform other duties specifically articulated within the collective bargaining agreement as assigned by building principal and/or District administration

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level