The posting
POSITION TITLE: Special Education Teacher
REPORTS TO: Principal and/or Director of Special Education
SUMMARY: Middle/High School (6-12th grade) Special Education Teacher plans, organizes, and implements appropriate instructional programs in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential. Responsible for developing special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.
POSITION TYPE: Full-time
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Other duties may be assigned by the Superintendent and/or the Superintendent’s designee.
Understands and delivers curriculum area, including determining appropriate entry levels of MA Curriculum Frameworks
Adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized education programs (IEPs)
Develops and understands all IEP processes and procedures
Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student levels, reporting progress, and/or developing IEPs
Completes MCAS Alternative Assessment Submissions when necessary to demonstrate student progress.
Strong ability to collaborate with all constituents, including related service providers, as well as instructional assistants
Establishes strong communication with parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment
Knowledge of Assistive Technology for communication
Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and restraint procedures for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment
Participates in a variety of meetings, including IEPs, for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions
Collaborate with others to maximize student growth and outcomes related to IEP goals and objectives.
Prepares a variety of necessary documents (e.g., adaptive materials, grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEPs, behavior logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements
Reports incidents (e.g., fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to state and federal laws and district policies
Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Special Education
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises the classroom and students
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Understands and delivers curriculum areas, including determining appropriate entry levels for MA Curriculum Frameworks and Guidelines for Middle and/or High School
Ability to administer developmental testing programs, subject-specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student levels, reporting progress, and/or developing IEPs
Strong ability to collaborate with all constituents, including related service providers, as well as instructional assistants
Establishes strong communication with parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment
Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Special Education
Follows state and federal special education regulations, as outlined in the IDEA and the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 28.00 which are in addition to, or in some instances clarify or further elaborate, the special education rights and responsibilities set forth in state statute (M.G.L. c. 71B), federal statute (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq. as amended), and federal regulations (34 CFR §300 et seq. as amended).
Follows all standards and indicators to the best of his or her ability, as described in the Sutton Public Schools
Adheres to the voted upon collective bargaining agreement and any applicable MOUs/MOAs between the Sutton Teachers Association and School Committee
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Special Education
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
Hold a Massachusetts DESE licensure for Moderate Disabilities 5-12
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools is required, along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. The employee must be able to enter data, read from screens, and review handwritten or printed materials, with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues—both in person and over the phone—is essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students, parents, and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students. While the majority of the work day is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors for fire drills and/or special activities.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
