1.0 FTE Special Education Developmental Learning Program Teacher

Lexington Public Schools•Lexington, MA

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher works with regular educators to modify curriculum for students eligible for special education, using the course of study adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The teacher supports students’ full participation in the general curriculum and implements applicable state and federal special education laws and regulations. The role includes developing and overseeing implementation of students’ IEPs, supervising and supporting paraprofessionals, and providing individualized and small-group instruction. The teacher plans lessons and instructional materials, establishes a supportive classroom environment, monitors students’ academic and social growth, maintains records, and prepares progress reports. The position also involves communicating with parents, collaborating with other professional staff to identify and address student needs, maintaining professional competence, selecting instructional resources, supervising students during assigned activities, administering standardized tests, participating in curriculum development and faculty committees, and performing other assigned duties. This is a 1.0 FTE position with a 184-day work year and an immediate start date. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the LEA Unit A collective bargaining agreement. The FY26 salary scale may change based on completed negotiations, and salary will be prorated based on the start date. The job requires willingness and ability to physically manage students if needed. The employee must also be able to meet the described physical demands, with reasonable accommodations available where applicable.

Requirements

DESE certification in severe special needs is required; alternatively, DESE certification in moderate special needs and previous experience will be considered if the severe-needs license is pursued within the first year of employment.
Must be willing and able to physically manage students if needed.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A high level of capability with technology.
Must meet the physical demands described for the role, including occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds; reasonable accommodations may be made.
Experience and commitment to working in a racially and culturally diverse teaching and learning community.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Special Education preferred.
Previous experience may be considered with DESE certification in moderate special needs if the severe-needs license is pursued within the first year of employment.

Responsibilities

Work with regular educators to modify curriculum for students eligible for special education using the course of study adopted by MA DESE.
Support students with disabilities in fully participating in the general curriculum.
Implement applicable state and federal special education laws and regulations.
Participate in developing IEPs and oversee their implementation.
Supervise and support paraprofessionals as they implement instruction.
Develop lesson plans and instructional materials, and provide individualized and small-group instruction adapted to each pupil’s needs.
Translate lesson plans into learning experiences that make effective use of instructional time.
Establish and maintain pupil behavior standards that support a positive classroom learning environment.
Evaluate and document pupils’ academic and social growth, maintain appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.
Communicate with parents through conferences and other means regarding pupil progress and the school program.
Identify pupil needs and collaborate with professional staff to assess and help pupils address health, attitude, and learning problems.
Maintain professional competence through district-provided in-service education and self-selected professional growth activities.
Select and requisition books and instructional aids, and maintain required inventory records.
Supervise pupils in assigned out-of-classroom activities during the working day.
Administer standardized tests in accordance with the district testing program and to determine special education eligibility.
Participate in curriculum development programs as required.
Participate in faculty committees and the sponsorship of pupil activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.