SY26-27 Springfield Honors Academy High School Special Education Teacher

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Springfield Honors Academy is in search of a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Teacher to join our instructional team. The SpEd Teacher will serve as case manager for an assigned caseload of students and will be responsible for providing individualized, differentiated instruction to students with diverse learning needs. This role involves collaborating with the Special Education Liaison to develop and manage Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and working closely with general education teachers, related service providers, and families to ensure a cohesive support system. The teacher will monitor and document student progress, update families and service providers on progress, challenges, and interventions, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Participation in IEP meetings, team meetings, and professional development, including being a member of the STAT team, is also expected. The ideal candidate will be familiar with special education laws (IDEA) and behavior intervention plans, and possess patience, conflict resolution abilities, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Requirements

• Appropriate content/ program area educator license (Mathematics) and grade level (8-12) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license
• Familiarity with special education laws (IDEA)
• Familiarity with behavior intervention plans

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years

Responsibilities

• Providing individualized, differentiated instruction to students with diverse learning needs
• Collaborating with the Special Education Liaison to develop and manage Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Collaborating with general education teachers, related service providers and families to ensure cohesive support system
• Monitoring and documenting student progress
• Updating families and services providers on progress, challenges and interventions
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations
• Participating in IEP meetings, team meetings and professional development
• Serving as a member of the STAT team
• Meeting and instructing assigned classes in the locations and at times designated
• Planning a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students
• Creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students
• Guiding the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals
• Establishing and communicating clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects
• Preparing for classes assigned, and showing written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers’ contract
• Employing a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs of capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved
• Striving by instruction and action to implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations
• Assessing the accomplishments of students on a regular basis; providing progress reports as required, and communicating with parents at deemed necessary
• Maintaining accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations
• Diagnosing the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required
• Taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Following the SPS a code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and developing rules of classroom behavior which are enforced in a fair and just manner
• Planning and supervising assignments for paraprofessionals, and making written evaluations as required
• Maintaining an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional
• Taking an active part in the contractually -approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation
• Attending building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day
• Attending established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract
• Contributing to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being
• Striving to maintain and improve professional competence

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Competitive benefits
• Numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities
• Mentorship from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches
• Career advancement opportunities
• Investment in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs

What This Job Offers

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