Teacher-Self Contained Special Education

Holyoke Public Schools•Holyoke, MA

About The Position

Holyoke Public Schools seeks a highly qualified full-time Self-contained High School Teacher to provide specialized instruction for high school students with significant cognitive disabilities, autism, other neuro diversities, emotional impairments, or related social-emotional disabilities in a self-contained classroom. This program emphasizes academic instruction, daily living skills, social development, communication, independent living skills, behavioral support, and inclusion readiness through use of evidence-based instructional methodologies. The teacher collaborates with general education staff, paraeducators, related service providers, and families to ensure students receive comprehensive support and access to inclusive learning opportunities as appropriate. The self-contained teacher may be required to teach all content areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of two years experience in a self-contained setting and/or working with individuals with significant emotional impairments
At least one year of experience supervising classroom staff, preferred
Proficiency in implementing least-restrictive Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS), and related strategies preferred
Ability to adjust quickly to changes in routines, schedules, or program structures while staying flexible and supportive of students and team goals
Familiarity with research-based assessments and curriculum tools preferred.
Strong skills in data-driven instruction and curriculum planning.
Strong classroom management skills
Ability to build sustaining positive relationships with students, staff, and families
Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, diverse student populations, and urban school settings preferred.
Proficiency in integrating technology and media into instruction.
Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Bilingual applicants (Spanish) strongly encouraged to apply.
Required license(s): MODERATE DISABILITIES 5-12

Responsibilities

Implement district-approved curriculum and academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) instructional strategies, including PBIS, ACT, and Explicit Instruction.
Develop and deliver individualized and group lesson plans based on student needs.
Conduct skills-based and academic assessments to determine goals and appropriate programming.
Develop, coordinate, and facilitate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with IDEA and FAPE regulations.
Maintain accurate records, document student progress, and ensure confidentiality of special education files.
Implement program-wide and student-specific behavior management strategies, reinforcement systems, emotional regulation techniques, and/or formal behavior support plans (BSP) to support SEL skill development and reduce challenging behaviors.
Provide a safe and welcoming classroom for all students
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including general education staff, OT, PT, Speech/Language Pathologists, and other specialists.
Train, supervise, and provide guidance to classroom-based support staff.
Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance specialized instructional skills.
Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
Participate in staff meetings, committees, and other school-based initiatives as assigned.
Perform additional duties as assigned by building and district administration and coaches.