Teacher - Special Education (Crossroads 18-22 Program)

Chicopee Public Schools•Chicopee, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher delivers the district curriculum in multiple ways to promote student learning and achievement while addressing the diverse needs of special education students. 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 position includes ongoing assessment, preparation and analysis of student assessments, IEP drafting and progress reporting, and communication with students, families, staff, consultants, and interdisciplinary team members. The teacher coordinates and directly supervises paraprofessionals and works collaboratively with other teachers, instructors, coordinators, administrators, ancillary personnel, nursing staff, and consultants. The role also includes supporting students' educational and personal care needs, including lifting, positioning, changing, and limited personal care; maintaining a safe learning environment; supporting school operations and emergency procedures; and participating in district professional development and continuing education. Other duties may be assigned by the principal, administration, or superintendent.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree 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 information and instructions verbally and in writing, read and prepare professional documents, and speak before groups.
Ability to apply logical or scientific principles, interpret technical instructions, and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to use basic mathematical operations, decimals, percentages, algebra, and geometry.
Ability to coordinate hand and eye movements, handle office equipment and hand tools, and inspect items for dimensions and shape.
Ability to work under stress and respond to emergency situations.
Ability to talk, hear, and communicate by telephone.

Responsibilities

Organize and structure the assigned classroom, and plan and supervise the classroom schedule.
Develop and implement curriculum plans and deliver differentiated instruction aligned with district curriculum and student IEP goals.
Coordinate, facilitate skill development for, and directly supervise paraprofessionals and other personnel assigned to the classroom.
Coordinate schedules of ancillary personnel and maintain regular communication with case workers, interdisciplinary team members, consultants, nursing staff, families, and other relevant personnel.
Identify educational materials and equipment needed for student plans.
Conduct ongoing assessments of student functioning; prepare, administer, correct, and analyze assessments; and use assessment findings to develop lessons.
Draft IEPs and progress notes, and complete and distribute reports detailing students' progress toward IEP goals.
Participate in meetings, IEP meetings, clinics, in-services, and continuing education programs.
Implement required MCAS activities, testing, and reporting according to state guidelines, regulations, and district protocols.
Develop communication systems for students, with consultant guidance as needed.
Communicate regularly with parents or legal guardians about students' educational needs, academic performance, behavior, and progress.
Provide physical management of students' educational and personal care needs, including lifting, positioning, changing, and limited personal care as needed.
Work cooperatively with other departments to support smooth student transitions between departments.
Counsel students when adjustment or academic problems arise and refer them to other services as appropriate.
Manage the class and students on campus and at off-campus events; instruct students on conduct and expected behaviors.
Maintain records, attendance, and grades as required by the school, and provide timely evaluation feedback to students and families.
Promote critical, creative, and evaluative thinking, and maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning environment.
Assist with communication and enforcement of federal and state laws and regulations and district policies and procedures.
Support protection of students and property and assist with emergency drills, dismissal, field trips, and other student-management activities.
Maintain professional relationships with students, families, guardians, community members, staff, and administration, while respecting and embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Maintain personal integrity, confidentiality, and a strong work ethic; perform other duties assigned by the principal, administration, or superintendent.