Extended Term Substitute, Teacher Special Educator (Sept-Dec 2024), Morse School

Cambridge Public Schools - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Cambridge, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Extended Term Substitute Teacher Special Educator position at Morse School, part of the Cambridge Public Schools, is a full-time role that will run from September 2024 through December 2024. This position is crucial in providing specially designed instruction to students with disabilities, ensuring they receive equitable access to education and support tailored to their individual needs. The Morse School is situated in Cambridge, a vibrant and diverse city known for its educational institutions, including Harvard and MIT, and its innovative economy. The Cambridge Public Schools serve approximately 7,000 students from JK-12, with a commitment to culturally responsive learning and personalized support for every student. The Office of Student Services (OSS) plays a vital role in this mission, focusing on the needs of students with disabilities and those with advanced learning requirements. As a Special Educator, you will be responsible for delivering direct special education services to students with disabilities, both in general education settings and in separate classrooms. This role requires collaboration with general education teachers, special education staff, and related services personnel to ensure that students achieve positive educational outcomes. You will develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on comprehensive assessments and data collection, providing instruction using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches. Your responsibilities will also include monitoring student progress towards IEP goals, accommodating and modifying learning experiences, and supporting general education teachers in implementing appropriate accommodations. The position demands a strong commitment to inclusive educational practices and the ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds, including those who speak languages other than English. The Cambridge Public Schools embrace this diversity, with over 30% of students speaking a language other than English at home, and a wide array of languages represented within the community. As a Special Educator, you will play a key role in fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students in their educational journey.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct special education services to students with disabilities
• Provide explicit instruction and/or support in reading/literacy, math, written language, and social-emotional behavior
• Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data collection tools
• Develop Individualized Education Programs for students based on various types of data specific to the student's present levels of functioning and performance
• Provide instruction of students using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches to learning
• Collaborate with general education, special education, related services staff
• Administer formal and informal assessments and analyze data to inform decisions regarding IEP goals/objective, learning approaches/content and support
• Accommodate and modify for student learning and support the general education teacher with the implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements

• Broad knowledge and experience of programs and services specific to students' areas of eligibility (i.e. autism, academic, behavior, learning, etc.)
• Above average skills in collaboration
• Excellent skills in oral and written communication
• Demonstrated ability in collaborating and supporting parents and families
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve
• Demonstrated understanding of inclusive educational practices including various co-teaching approaches
• General knowledge of various formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and skills
• General knowledge of state and federal special education guidelines and requirements
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in Special Education required, Master's preferred, concentration in learning disabilities preferred
• Massachusetts Certification of students with mild/moderate or severe special needs preferred
• Experience teaching or student teaching in an urban school setting
• Specialized training/certification in a foundational reading program such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in urban school settings
• Bilingual skills in Haitian Creole, Amharic, or Portuguese
• Specialized training in inclusive education practices

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage ranging from $30 to $38
• Opportunity to work in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive community and collaborative work environment