Teacher - Transitions Academy Special Education

Holyoke Public Schools • Holyoke, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Holyoke Transitions Academy is designed to prepare students with disabilities, ages 18-22, for their change in status from a student to an emergent adult role. We focus on such facets of life as employment, post-secondary education, home care and maintenance, community involvement, and social and personal relationships. The Transition Specialist works closely with the student, family, and team to understand the student’s vision. Students are provided with a coordinated set of individualized activities to meet that vision. Coordinated activity examples include work-based learning experiences, recreational opportunities, community-based education, and daily workshops in social, vocational, and functional academics, based on the student's individual education program (IEP). The Transition Specialist works closely with state agency services for adults to assure students have a smooth transition into adulthood once they turn 22. The Transitions Academy Special Education Teacher serves students ages 18–22 and works closely with students, families, staff, and community partners to support each student’s vision for adulthood. The teacher develops coordinated, individualized programming based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), strengths, interests, and postsecondary goals. Programming includes functional academics, independent living skills, vocational development, community-based education, recreational opportunities, and work-based learning experiences. The teacher also collaborates with adult service agencies to help students experience a smooth transition into adult services when they exit the program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Valid Massachusetts Moderate Disabilities license for grades 5–12 required.
• At least one year of full-time teaching experience.
• At least three years of experience supporting students with autism in an inclusive setting.
• Knowledge of IEP development, transition planning, person-centered planning, and community-based instruction.
• Ability to interpret and apply student performance data to instructional planning.
• Commitment to supporting the academic, vocational, social, and independent-living success of every student.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and teamwork skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with students ages 18–22 or providing transition services preferred.
• Experience working in an urban school setting preferred.
• Experience working with diverse student populations preferred.
• Bilingual applicants, particularly Spanish-speaking applicants, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Moderate Disabilities Special Education Teacher for students ages 18–22.
• Develop lesson plans and provide targeted instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals.
• Provide instruction in functional academics, vocational skills, social skills, independent living, community access, and postsecondary readiness.
• Assist with the development and implementation of person-centered plans.
• Ensure that all IEP services, accommodations, and modifications are implemented consistently.
• Develop individualized transition activities based on each student’s needs, interests, strengths, and vision for adulthood.
• Plan and support work-based learning, community-based instruction, travel training, recreational opportunities, and other real-world learning experiences.
• Collaborate with families, school staff, community partners, and adult service agencies to coordinate transition planning and services.
• Maintain positive and consistent communication with families through outreach, progress updates, meetings, and family events.
• Create a safe, supportive, and engaging classroom environment that promotes independence and self-advocacy.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies, materials, and technology to meet individual student needs.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for lessons, units, projects, and community-based activities.
• Regularly assess student progress, provide required progress reports, and use data to adjust instruction.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records in accordance with state law, district policy, and administrative requirements.
• Participate in IEP meetings, staff meetings, professional learning, and school committees as required.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for paraprofessionals, educational coaches, and volunteers.
• Support the professional growth and evaluation of assigned support staff in collaboration with school leadership.
• Maintain and strengthen professional knowledge related to special education and transition programming.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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