Special Education Teachers (Moderate Needs) - PAWS Academy (Elementary)

Marlborough Public Schools•Marlborough, MA

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher will serve elementary students in PAWS Academy at Hildreth School during the 2026–27 school year. PAWS Academy is a public day, therapeutic special education program serving K–8 students whose behavioral and social-emotional needs significantly affect their learning. The program provides a safe, structured, supportive environment in which staff use individualized, evidence-based interventions to build self-regulation, social skills, resilience, and academic engagement. Staff collaborate with families and school teams to help students achieve academic and social success and transition successfully within their school communities. The teacher promotes student learning and growth through high-quality instruction, meaningful assessments, analysis of student data, constructive feedback, and refinement of learning objectives. The role includes providing instructional support in accordance with students’ IEPs; developing and implementing IEPs; differentiating instruction; modifying general education curricula; maintaining accurate records and meeting legal and district requirements; and collaborating with families, colleagues, and outside agencies. The teacher is supervised by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Equity, the Educational Team Leader, and the building Director. Employment is effective as soon as possible, with salary based on the MEA Salary Scale according to education and experience.

Requirements

Valid Massachusetts DESE licensure in Special Education in the area of Moderate Needs, covering elementary grade levels.
Experience as a Special Education Teacher.
Experience working with students in inclusion, small-group, and individual settings.
SEI Endorsement.
Ability to use school system databases, standard Microsoft and Google products, and web-based sites.
Ability to select and use instructional methods and procedures appropriate to the situation.
Ability to read and understand written information and listen to and understand spoken information and ideas.
Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly in speaking and writing.
Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students as specified in their IEPs.
Use knowledge of students’ developmental levels and learning differences to provide differentiated learning experiences.
Participate in the Team meeting process.
Develop and implement Individualized Educational Programs with measurable goals and objectives.
Ensure IEP compliance and timelines, maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare required reports.
Deliver instruction with measurable outcomes and challenging tasks that promote progress toward state standards and local curricula, including higher-order thinking.
Collaborate with general education teachers to modify curricula for students with disabilities in accordance with their IEPs, using varied instructional techniques and technologies.
Organize and analyze assessment results, monitor student progress, adjust instructional practice, and identify or implement appropriate differentiated interventions and enhancements.
Use strategies such as tiered instruction, scaffolds, and adapted instruction or materials to address differences in learning styles, needs, interests, and readiness, including for students with disabilities and English learners.
Collaborate with parents, outside agencies, and building staff.
Share conclusions about student progress with appropriate colleagues and seek feedback on instructional and assessment practices.
Provide descriptive feedback based on assessment results and engage students and families in constructive conversations about improving performance.
Set high expectations for student work, perseverance, and effort.
Develop students’ interpersonal, group, and communication skills and provide opportunities to learn in groups with diverse peers.
Anticipate and respond appropriately to conflicts or misunderstandings related to differences in backgrounds, languages, and identities.
Seek and apply ideas for improving practice from supervisors, colleagues, professional development, and other resources.
Collaborate with colleagues on standards-based units, examination of student work, analysis of student performance, and intervention planning.
Exercise sound judgment, demonstrate integrity, honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness, and protect student confidentiality.
Fulfill professional responsibilities, including timely and reliable completion of paperwork, duties, and assignments, and regular attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal.