Lead Special Education Teacher and Program Liaison for SAIL (Social, Academic, & Inclusive Learning)

Westford Public Schools•Westford, MA

44d

About The Position

Lead Special Education Teacher and Program Liaison for SAIL (Social, Academic, and Inclusive Learning) Lloyd G. Blanchard Middle School Overview: The Lead Teacher and Program Liaison for SAIL (Social, Academic, Inclusive, Learning) at the Blanchard Middle School in Westford will be responsible for leading and teaching in this newly created program at the 6-8 level. SAIL is our substantially separate program designed to teach and support our students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with identified social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. The core function of the SAIL teacher is to explicitly teach academic and social-emotional learning lessons to students using evidence-based strategies such as restorative practices or social-emotional learning circles. Mostly working in a small group setting, the SAIL teacher will help students learn, practice, and demonstrate social-emotional skills. The SAIL teacher will also meet with general education teachers, administrators, parents, and family unit members to discuss students' individual needs and to develop intervention plans.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Special Education
Valid teaching certification/license in Special Education
Previous experience working with students with diagnosed SEL and mental health related disabilities in an educational setting.
Strong understanding of social emotional learning and teaching practices
Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices and accommodations for students with diverse learning needs.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Training in evidence-based de-escalation strategies and techniques (preferred)

Responsibilities

Instructional Delivery: Deliver dynamic and inclusive instruction using a variety of teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive IEPs for each student, ensuring that educational goals are aligned with transition objectives.
Social Emotional Learning: Provide hands-on instruction and support in essential SEL areas such as helping students foster independence and self-sufficiency.
Recognize and respond to individual student mental health needs and assist students and families in supporting their wellness
Create and implement behavior programs and teach necessary skills for self regulation
Knowledgeable of de-escalation strategies and techniques to allow an adjustment of approach with students exhibiting dysregulated behavior
Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Conduct ongoing assessment and progress monitoring to track student growth and adjust instructional strategies accordingly, maintaining accurate records and documentation of student performance.
Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate effectively with colleagues, parents/guardians, and community stakeholders to support student success, participating in team meetings, parent conferences, and community outreach initiatives as needed.
Collaborate with related service providers, including Educational Support Professionals (ESPs); specialists; administrators; and general education teachers.
Evaluating, observing, and recommending students throughout the district for placement in SAIL
Assist in the hiring of and supervision of Educational Support Professionals (ESPs) for the program