1.0 FTE Long - Term Substitute Special Education Teacher – Therapeutic Learning Program (TLP)
About The Position
The Special Education Teacher serves as a long-term substitute in the Therapeutic Learning Program (TLP), covering a leave of absence from approximately February 5, 2027 through May 17, 2027, unless circumstances dictate a change. Compensation is $175 per diem for days worked. The position is non-benefits eligible and at-will. For Unit C members, compensation is the current hourly rate plus $15 per hour, with benefits staying as is. The teacher supports students eligible for special education in academic, social-emotional, and behavioral areas across educational settings. This includes modifying curriculum, delivering instruction in accordance with Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), collaborating with school staff and families, and supporting students’ participation in the general curriculum. The teacher also oversees IEP implementation, supports paraprofessionals, evaluates and documents student progress, and performs other assigned duties.
Requirements
- DESE certification in moderate disabilities at the appropriate grade level is required.
- Experience working with students with social-emotional and/or behavioral disabilities is required.
- Experience managing student behavior, including developing behavior plans and collecting data, is required.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are required.
- A high level of capability with technology is required.
- Must be willing and able to physically manage students if needed.
- 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.
- DESE certification in severe disabilities and previous experience will also be considered if the moderate disabilities license is pursued within the first year of employment.
- Preferred training or certification in a multisensory, systematic reading program such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson.
Responsibilities
- Modify curriculum for students eligible for special education using the course of study adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
- Collaborate with social workers, special educators, and general educators to support students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs across educational settings.
- Support the rights of students with disabilities to participate fully in the general curriculum.
- Deliver direct academic instruction in accordance with students’ Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).
- Implement state and federal laws and regulations as they apply to special education.
- Participate in developing IEPs and oversee their implementation.
- Supervise and support paraprofessionals as they implement instruction, including behavior plans.
- 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 maintain data on students’ academic and social growth, keep appropriate records, and prepare progress reports.
- Communicate regularly with parents through conferences and other means to discuss student progress and explain the school program.
- Identify student needs and cooperate with other professional staff in assessing and helping students address health, attitude, and learning problems.
- Maintain professional competence through district-provided in-service activities 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.
- Assist in protecting students and school property and assist the principal with fire and other emergency drills as required by law and School Committee policy.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
