Teacher - Special Education Inclusion

Chicopee Public Schools•Chicopee, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher delivers the district curriculum in ways that promote student learning and achievement while accounting for the diverse needs of students receiving special education. The teacher organizes and structures the assigned classroom, plans and supervises classroom schedules, develops and implements curriculum plans, and provides differentiated instruction aligned with district-approved curriculum and each student's IEP. The role includes assessing student functioning and academic progress, preparing and analyzing assessments, drafting IEPs and progress notes, and reporting progress toward IEP goals. The teacher collaborates with other teachers, administrators, case workers, consultants, ancillary personnel, nursing staff, families, and interdisciplinary team members. Responsibilities include coordinating paraprofessionals and classroom personnel, communicating with parents and guardians, participating in meetings and professional development, and maintaining student records. The teacher supports student safety, behavior, transitions, and educational and personal care needs, which may include limited personal care, lifting, positioning, and changing. Other duties may be assigned by the principal, administration, or superintendent.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Ability to operate computers, copiers, adding machines, and other office equipment.
Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Ability to stand, crouch, and bend for extended periods at intervals throughout the day.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone, give instructions, and speak before groups.
Ability to read and prepare a variety of correspondence, reports, forms, evaluations, procedures, and other written materials using prescribed formats and standard language conventions.
Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking, interpret technical instructions, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to use basic mathematical operations, decimals, percentages, and principles of algebra and geometry.
Ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using office equipment and handle office equipment and hand tools.
Ability to work with people beyond giving and receiving instructions, adapt under stress, and respond to emergency situations.
Ability to talk and hear.

Responsibilities

Organize and structure the assigned classroom and plan and supervise its schedule.
Develop and implement curriculum plans aligned with district-approved curriculum and student needs.
Deliver differentiated instruction and prepare, administer, correct, and analyze student assessments.
Use assessment results to develop lessons and provide timely feedback to students, parents, and guardians.
Provide each student with education consistent with the goals and objectives of the IEP; assess student functioning and draft IEPs and progress notes.
Complete and distribute progress notes detailing student progress toward IEP goals.
Coordinate and directly supervise assigned paraprofessionals, cooperating teachers, and other classroom personnel; facilitate paraprofessionals' development of new skills.
Coordinate schedules for ancillary personnel and meet regularly with consultants and personnel involved with students.
Maintain ongoing communication with students' case workers, parents or legal guardians, interdisciplinary team members, nursing staff, and other relevant staff and consultants.
Identify materials and equipment needed for educational plans and develop communication systems for students with guidance from a consultant as needed.
Participate in meetings, IEP meetings, clinics, in-services, and continuing education programs.
Implement required MCAS activities, testing, and reporting in accordance with state guidelines, regulations, and district protocols.
Support students' educational and personal care needs, which may include lifting, positioning, changing, and limited personal care.
Work flexibly with other departments to support student transitions and maintain communication with medical, nursing, educational, and other disciplines.
Counsel students experiencing adjustment or academic problems and refer them to other services as appropriate.
Instruct students on conduct rules and expected behaviors; manage the assigned class and other students on campus or at off-campus events.
Maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning environment and assist in protecting students and property.
Maintain student attendance, grade, and other required records, and regularly inform parents or guardians of academic performance and behavior.
Assist with communication and enforcement of federal and state laws and regulations and district policies and procedures.
Cooperate with school administration and staff, assist with emergency drills, and support student management tasks such as dismissal and field trips.
Maintain respectful, professional relationships with students, parents, guardians, and the community, including students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Maintain personal integrity, confidentiality, and a strong work ethic; participate in district professional development.
Perform other duties assigned by the principal, administration, or superintendent.