Special Education Inclusion Teacher

Palmer Public Schools•Palmer, MA

42d

About The Position

Our Mission Statement: Palmer Public Schools will be a community that develops life-long learners by engaging in a rigorous curriculum which creates opportunities for academic and social/emotional growth of all students through a safe, supportive and collaborative environment. Our Theory of Action: If we improve student, faculty and staff well-being and provide students with a challenging curriculum delivered through rigorous, engaging instruction with learning experiences intentionally designed to meet the needs of each student, then we will have prepared all students to be life-long learners who will contribute positively to society. ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE: Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria as needed, as well as assistive/educational technology in the classroom, for designated students receiving services in an inclusion setting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
Required: MA Licensure as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12)
Required: Highly qualified in general curriculum
Knowledge of MA Curriculum Frameworks and integration of state frameworks into local curricula and instruction for reading, written language, mathematics, & functional skills
Educational background or experience with differentiated instruction in an inclusive setting, including proven skills in classroom management, co-teaching and instructional strategies
Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Knowledge and training in structured reading methodology preferred
Experience with behavioral therapeutic techniques with a diverse population preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria as needed, as well as assistive/educational technology in the classroom, for designated students receiving services in a self-contained setting.
Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students.
Collaborate with grade level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services to assigned students.
Promote and assist in the implementation of research-based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students' academic and social goals within the regular education environment and throughout the school.
Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
Serve as contact person for designated caseload, including completion of all associated paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports, etc.), management of the Team process (conducting Annual Reviews, conferencing w/parents/Team members, etc.), and maintenance of communication between teachers, specialists, families, and any outside providers.
Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students.
Use a multi-disciplinary approach to gather various sources of information for progress monitoring in order to routinely implement data-based decision-making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning
Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects.
Prepares for classes assigned, and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers' contract.
Strives by instruction and action to implement the district's philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations.
Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
Diagnoses the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.
Takes all necessary necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Follows the Palmer Public Schools code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and develops rules of classroom behavior which are enforced in a fair and just manner.
Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.
Maintains an expectation as a professional.
Takes an active part in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation.
Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day.
Attend established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers' contract.
Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
Provide supervision to assigned paraprofessionals.
Coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and the efficient use of resources.
Consult with staff and administration on instructional/student issues as an active, participatory Team member.
Perform other duties as reasonably required.