1.0 FTE Language Based Program Special Education Teacher (2)

North Reading Public Schools - Reading, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Reading, MA

Educational Services

About the position

Parker Middle School is seeking a qualified special education teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. The Special Education Teacher will play a crucial role in helping students learn subject matter and skills in accordance with Special Education Laws, contributing to their educational development while considering their cognitive and social-emotional learning abilities. This position requires a dedicated individual who can create an inclusive and effective learning environment for students with diverse needs. The teacher will be responsible for teaching the district-approved curriculum and developing appropriate instructional materials, activities, and lesson plans tailored to individual students. This includes making modifications and accommodations based on cognitive levels and age-appropriateness. The teacher will structure the classroom to maintain standards of student behavior, fostering an effective learning atmosphere. Additionally, the teacher will create a stimulating environment for learning through functional displays, interest centers, and exhibits of student work. Evaluating students' academic and social growth is a key responsibility, along with keeping accurate records and preparing progress reports. The teacher will identify student needs, make appropriate referrals, and develop and implement individual education plans (IEPs). Collaboration with parents, specialists, and related service providers is essential to guide the growth and development of students. The teacher will also participate in ongoing professional development activities related to the student population and certification areas, ensuring they remain informed about current educational practices and regulations. The role requires the teacher to demonstrate an understanding of the definitions, etiology, and characteristics of students' disabilities, as well as knowledge of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards. The teacher will integrate technology into instruction to enhance student comprehension and interest, and will be available to students and parents for educational purposes outside of instructional hours. This position also involves supervising paraeducators and parent volunteers, ensuring a collaborative and supportive classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Teaches district-approved curriculum.
• Develops appropriate instructional materials, activities, & lesson plans, with modifications and accommodations appropriate for individual students.
• Structures the classroom and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
• Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers and exhibits of student's work.
• Evaluates students' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports.
• Identifies student needs, makes appropriate referrals, and develops and implements individual education plans.
• Participates in planning of curriculum goals and relevant student performance objectives.
• Helps students to develop individual learning goals and objectives.
• Evaluates individual student accomplishment of goals and objectives, records progress, and adjusts individual and group learning activities accordingly.
• Works with parents of individual children to help guide the growth and development of the children.
• Demonstrates an understanding of definitions, etiology, & characteristics of students' disabilities.
• Demonstrates an understanding of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards.
• Adapts the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks as needed.
• Integrates technology within instruction to increase student comprehension and interest.
• Participates in ongoing professional development activities related to student population & certification areas.
• Communicates regularly with parents by means of newsletters, notes, phone calls, conferences, etc.
• Is available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
• Works with specialists, related service providers, staff members, parents and outside persons or agencies to assist students with special problems.
• Plans and coordinates the work of paraeducators, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips.
• Properly utilizes and conserves physical facilities, equipment and supplies.
• Maintains an understanding of the philosophies and principles utilized in District-wide programs.
• Follows state and federal special education regulations, as outlined in the IDEA and the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 28.00.

Requirements

• Certified to teach Wilson and/or Orton-Gillingham Reading Programs preferred.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Uses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Board of Education policies.
• Knowledge of special education procedures to maintain appropriate confidential records.
• Ability to react professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, seizure activity, etc.).
• Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development.
• Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience writing IEPs.
• Competence regarding special education law and regulations.
• Experience evaluating student skills and writing reports to interpret/summarize findings.
• Strong collaborative, teaching, coaching and leadership skills to support student programming and work in a team setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills to support student success.
• Strong data-collection skills to help to inform decisions for students.
• Strong organizational skills to balance the demands of a multi-tasking position.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree preferred.