Teacher Special Education - Supported Inclusion Program, SIP (Anticipated)

Central Office - Holyoke, MA

Full-time

Holyoke, MA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The position of a moderate special education teacher is focused on providing educational support to students with high functioning autism within inclusion classrooms. This role involves creating and implementing lesson plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, particularly those with autism. The teacher will conduct weekly pull-out social skills groups to enhance students' social interactions and communication abilities. The teacher is responsible for meeting and instructing assigned classes at designated locations and times, ensuring that all educational activities align with the students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). A key aspect of this role is to foster positive communication with families, which includes providing regular updates on student progress and assisting in organizing autism-related events for both students and their families. The teacher will plan a comprehensive program of study that caters to the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students, utilizing a variety of instructional techniques and media to engage learners effectively. Creating a conducive classroom environment is essential, as it should reflect the maturity and interests of the students. The teacher will guide the learning process towards achieving curriculum goals, establishing clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects, and communicating these objectives to students. Regular assessment of student accomplishments is required, along with maintaining accurate records as mandated by law and district policies. The teacher will also be available to students and parents for educational purposes outside of instructional hours when necessary. Additionally, the role includes planning and supervising assignments for teacher aides and volunteers, evaluating their performance in collaboration with department heads. Continuous professional development is encouraged, and participation in staff meetings and committees is required. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a moderate special education teacher for students with high functioning autism in inclusion classrooms.
• Create lesson plans and implement weekly pull-out social skills groups.
• Meet and instruct assigned classes in designated locations and times.
• Ensure modifications and accommodations are created and implemented as outlined in the IEP.
• Promote and maintain positive communication with families by providing parent outreach and updates on student progress.
• Assist in autism-related events for students and families.
• Plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media in teaching.
• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and establish clear objectives for all lessons and projects.
• Assess the accomplishments of students regularly and provide progress reports as required.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law and district policy.
• Be available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher aides and volunteers, and evaluate their job performance.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field.
• Licensure in Moderate Disabilities PreK-2; PreK-8; 5-12 or Severe disabilities All Levels with SEI Endorsement.
• At least one year of full-time teaching experience.
• At least three years of experience working with students with autism in an inclusion setting.
• Commitment to ensuring academic success for all students.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply student performance data to instructional planning and execution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent teamwork skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in an urban setting.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Bilingual applicants (Spanish) strongly encouraged to apply.