Special Education Teacher, Lower School

Perkins School for the Blind • Watertown, MA

9d

About The Position

Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference. What you can expect as a Special Education Teacher : As our Special Education Teacher, you will provide instructional services for students with multiple disabilities including visual impairment, based on individual needs and evaluate students as required. You will plan, prepare and implement appropriate educational goals for each student as well as provide a variety of adapted materials and aids as appropriate for each student.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education or relevant field, able to obtain moderate to severe special needs teacher license within 3 years of employment.
• Must be accepted into a Special Education Masters Program
• Ability to complete and maintain First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Crisis Prevention and Physical Intervention (CPPI) Certifications
• Ability to travel independently

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Special Education with a current teacher certification in severe special needs is preferred.
• Previous experience working with students with visual impairments or students with severe disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meets educational requirements and qualifies for certification/licensure while updating and expanding knowledge
• Demonstrates understanding of the general curriculum, expanded core curriculum, and subject matter/area of expertise
• Determines present levels of performance by reviewing background information and conducting informal and formal assessments
• Develops and prioritizes measurable objectives for learners; plans short term and long term instruction or clinical strategies to address individual objectives.
• Establishes and maintains structures, rules, and procedures for learners and sets and maintains high expectations and standards of behavior
• Establishes and adapts the environment to make it conducive to learning
• Establishes good rapport and maintains respectful relationships with learners, adapting lessons for individuals with diverse needs and various backgrounds
• Engages learners by using a variety of approaches and motivating strategies to convey knowledge and develop skills, maximizing instructional/clinical time
• Provides positive reinforcement and constructive feedback
• Develops performance measures and informs learners of the criteria for success; evaluates learner performance, keeps records, and reports progress in learning; revises instructional plans based on ongoing observation/evaluation information;
• Helps create positive, inclusive interpersonal relationships
• Shows respect for students, colleagues, administrators, family members, and others, communicating well with, supports, advises, and/or advocates for learners
• Collaborates, consults with, and maintains effective communication with outside agency staff, staff at all levels, and family members, and when indicated, provides training
• Maintains effective communication and works cooperatively with administrators
• Maintains a safe environment and handles emergencies
• Maintains a clean, neat, inviting, and well-designed learning environment
• Ensures learners’ medical needs are met by altering teaching/clinical strategies and following protocols.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Wellness programs available.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Education Benefits: Tuition reimbursement day one
• Paid Time Off
• Extras: Employee Recognition Programs, EAP, legal services, referral bonuses, credit union access, pre-tax MBTA passes and more!

What This Job Offers

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