Special Education Teacher (Elementary)

Palmer Public Schools - Palmer, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Palmer, MA

Educational Services

About the position

Palmer Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to join our team. Our mission is to develop life-long learners through a rigorous curriculum that fosters academic and social/emotional growth in a safe and supportive environment. The ideal candidate will implement and adapt direct and explicit academic instruction across various content areas, utilizing multi-sensory teaching and differentiated strategies tailored to meet the needs of students in a self-contained setting. The role involves collaboration with other educators and specialists to provide comprehensive services, assess student progress, and maintain communication with families and outside providers. The teacher will also create a conducive learning environment, guide students towards achieving curriculum goals, and participate in professional growth activities.

Responsibilities

• Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching and differentiated strategies.
• Plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Collaborate with grade level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide effective services to assigned students.
• Promote and assist in the implementation of research-based strategies for student transition and generalization of academic and social goals.
• Assess student progress towards objectives and provide feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Serve as contact person for designated caseload, including completion of paperwork and management of the Team process.
• Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies to ensure a motivating instructional environment.
• Gather various sources of information for progress monitoring and implement data-based decision-making practices.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to students' maturity and interests.
• Guide the learning process toward established district curriculum goals and communicate clear objectives to students.
• Prepare for classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request.
• Implement the district's philosophy of education and maintain accurate records as required by law and policy.
• Diagnose learning challenges of students and seek assistance from district specialists as needed.
• Protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities by taking necessary precautions.
• Follow the code of conduct for the classroom and develop fair rules of behavior.
• Plan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals and evaluate their performance as required.
• Engage in ongoing professional growth and participate in the teacher evaluation process.
• Attend building and district meetings to promote communication and decision-making among staff.
• Participate in school-sponsored activities as agreed upon with the building administrator.
• Contribute to district and building decisions regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.
• Maintain and improve professional competence and provide supervision to assigned paraprofessionals.
• Coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements.
• Consult with staff and administration on instructional/student issues as an active Team member.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• MA Licensure as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities Elementary Level required.
• Highly qualified in general curriculum required.
• Knowledge of MA Curriculum Frameworks and integration of state frameworks into local curricula and instruction for reading, written language, mathematics, and functional skills.
• Knowledge and training in structured reading methodology preferred.
• Educational background or experience with differentiated instruction in both inclusive and self-contained elementary settings.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with behavioral therapeutic techniques with a diverse population preferred.
• Proven skills in classroom management and instructional strategies.