Special Education Teacher - SGL Gr. 6-8

Lynn Public Schools • Lynn, MA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher is the primary instructional delivery person in the classroom. The role is demanding, varied, and complex, with student achievement and growth primarily dependent on the teacher’s work. The teacher builds relationships, communicates effectively with students, families, colleagues, and other stakeholders, and applies strong content knowledge and teaching strategies.

The teacher plans and delivers instruction for students in grades 6–8 in a substantially separate group setting (SGL), including students with moderate to severe cognitive delays. The teacher supports students with disabilities in general education settings, differentiates instruction for second-language learners, and uses culturally responsive approaches and curricula that reflect students’ diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. The role also includes developing and implementing IEP goals and objectives, providing accommodations, monitoring and reporting progress, maintaining records, and collaborating with school staff and families.

Employment terms are negotiated with the Lynn School Committee and Lynn Teachers Union. The position is 180 days per year. An offer is contingent on completion of a pre-employment physical, including a drug test, a national fingerprint-based criminal background check (NCBC), and a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check before the start of employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in Moderate Disabilities, Pre-K–8 or 5–12, or Severe Disabilities, All Levels.
• SEI Endorsement.
• Understanding of institutional and structural racism and bias and their effects on underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Knowledge of current education legislation and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents, and to advocate for children to solve problems effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, and ability to work with all stakeholders.
• Ability to meet the expectations of the Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Additional content-area licensure encouraged.
• Experience in an urban district or setting preferred.
• Experience working with emotionally impaired or intellectually impaired students highly desirable.
• Willingness to attend “Positive Behavior Strategies for Emotionally Impaired Students.”

Responsibilities

• Plan and assess curriculum and instruction effectively.
• Meet and instruct assigned students at designated locations and times.
• Plan programs of study that address students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities as much as possible.
• Deliver effective, culturally responsive instruction, clarify learning goals, and use appropriate instructional and questioning techniques.
• Provide small-group instruction to students with moderate to severe cognitive delays to support understanding and progress in the general curriculum.
• Write and implement goals and objectives consistent with students’ IEPs, and provide timely, regular progress reports.
• Provide accommodations for student learning and testing when required.
• Collaborate with school staff to support student needs and modifications.
• Use innovative approaches, instructional strategies, and technology to increase student learning and confidence.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to students’ maturity and interests.
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement and behavior.
• Guide learning toward curriculum standards and establish clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects.
• Implement the district’s mission, educational philosophy, instructional standards, and objectives.
• Regularly assess and document student accomplishments and provide required progress reports.
• Document students’ learning problems and seek assistance from district specialists as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Help implement policies and rules governing student life and conduct; establish reasonable classroom rules and maintain order fairly.
• Be available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested under reasonable terms.
• Maintain and improve professional competence relevant to the assignment and students’ grade and subject areas.
• Attend required staff meetings.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships and open communication with students, colleagues, and parents about academic and behavioral progress.
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity, including through strategies for students with special needs, 504 plans, and second-language learners.
• Establish and maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports positive social and academic experiences.
• Engage regularly with families and community members to foster a collaborative, equitable learning environment.
• Use curricula that reflect students’ diverse educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Support students with disabilities in general education settings.
• Support and differentiate learning for students who are second-language learners.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive health and dental benefits, including Harvard Pilgrim PPO/HMO and Altus Dental High/Low plans.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance available on a voluntary basis.
• Flexible Spending Plan (FSA).
• Short-term disability available on a voluntary basis.
• Long-term disability available on a voluntary basis.

What This Job Offers

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