Teacher Special Educator, Putnam Avenue Upper School

Cambridge Public Schools•Cambridge, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Putnam Avenue Upper School is an innovative public middle school in the Cambridge Public Schools. The school is actively working towards becoming an antiracist school, identifying and dismantling racist structures, elevating underrepresented voices, and striving for an equitable and just educational experience for all students. The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of supports and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs. The Special Educator is responsible for providing specially designed instruction to students with disabilities in both general education and separate settings. This role involves collaborative work with general education, special education, and related services staff to ensure positive educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

Requirements

Broad knowledge and experience of programs and services specific to students’ areas of eligibility (i.e., autism, academic, behavior, learning, etc.)
Broad knowledge of state eligibility requirements
Above-average skills in collaboration
Excellent skills in oral and written communication
Demonstrated ability in collaborating and supporting parents and families
Demonstrated ability to problem solve
Demonstrated understanding of inclusive educational practices, including various co-teaching approaches
General knowledge of various formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and skills
General knowledge of state and federal special education guidelines and requirements
Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university in Special Education required
Massachusetts Certification of students with mild/moderate special needs, PreK-8 or 5-12 required
Experience teaching or student teaching in an urban school setting

Nice To Haves

Masters preferred
Concentration in learning disabilities preferred
Specialized training/certification in a foundational reading program such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading

Responsibilities

Provide direct special education services to students with disabilities
Provide explicit instruction and/or support in reading/literacy, math, written language, and social-emotional behavior
Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data collection tools
Develop Individualized Education Programs for students based on various types of data specific to the students' present levels of functioning and performance
Provide instruction to students using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches to learning
Collaborate with general education, special education, related services, and staff
Administer formal and informal assessments and analyze data to inform decisions regarding IEP goals/objectives, learning approaches/content, and support
Accommodate and modify for student learning and support the general education teacher with the implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting
Any related duties as outlined by the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Director, and/or Coordinator of the Office of Student Services
Ensure implementation of the student’s Individualized Education Plan
Ensure effective collaboration with families, community supports/services, related service staff, and general education teachers
Ensure effective instruction and support for students with disabilities
Other duties as assigned