Special Education Teacher - Southbridge Middle School

Southbridge Public Schools•Southbridge, MA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2,200 students across six schools and are undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in their secondary schools. Southbridge Middle School has shown rapid improvement in culture, climate, and instruction, recognized for student achievement gains in Math and as a PBIS success story. Southbridge High School is also experiencing transformative change with improving staff and student culture and climate, with academic gains expected to follow. This success is attributed to passionate educators, high-quality curriculum, targeted professional development, and a commitment to serving an under-served community with high-needs students. The district believes in high expectations and consistent support to help students excel, emphasizing teamwork, a positive climate, and a belief in the students' potential. This role offers an opportunity for educators to make a tangible impact and be part of a team dedicated to personal and student growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Valid Massachusetts Teaching License in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, PreK-12 OR Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, All Levels.
Valid Massachusetts SEI Endorsement OR Grade-level appropriate ESL License.
Meet all state and federal guidelines to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified.
Current authorization to work in the United States.
Knowledge and/or experience with students with moderate to severe needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in urban, high-poverty, and/or turnaround schools.
Major/minor in specific teaching content area.
Additional certification in Teacher of English Language Learners (ESL).
Demonstrated experience in English Language Development (ELD) and Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) strategies.
Bilingual language proficiency (Spanish/English).

Responsibilities

Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including modified content, methodology, and performance criteria, as well as assistive/educational technology in an inclusion setting.
Plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
Collaborate with grade level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services.
Promote and assist in the implementation of research-based strategies for the transition and generalization of students’ academic and social goals within the regular education environment.
Assess student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development, communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities) for feedback to students, parents, and administration.
Serve as the contact person for the designated caseload, including completing paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports), managing the Team process (conducting Annual Reviews, conferencing with parents/Team members), and maintaining communication between teachers, specialists, families, and outside providers.
Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment.
Use a multi-disciplinary approach to gather information for progress monitoring and implement data-based decision-making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning.
Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
Guide the learning process towards established district curriculum goals, establishing and communicating clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
Prepare for assigned classes and show evidence of preparation upon request.
Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with physical limitations and student needs/capabilities.
Strive to implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals, objectives, and performance expectations.
Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
Diagnose learning challenges of students regularly, seeking assistance from district specialists as needed.
Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
Follow the Southbridge Public Schools code of conduct and enforce classroom behavior rules fairly.
Plan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals and complete written evaluations.
Maintain an ongoing program of professional growth.
Take an active part in the teacher evaluation process.
Attend building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision-making.
Attend established school-sponsored activities as agreed upon by the building administrator and faculty.
Contribute to district and building decisions regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
Provide supervision to assigned paraprofessionals.
Coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and efficient resource use.
Consult with staff and administration on instructional/student issues as a participatory Team member.
Perform other duties as reasonably required.