26-27 Anticipated Special Education Resource Room Teacher` (thru 6/30/27)

This is a temporary position, 12/1/26 - 6/30/26

Position Summary

The Special Education Resource Room Teacher in the Somerville Public Schools maintains the safety, care, and wellbeing of the students that they are charged with. They have an understanding of child and youth development and provide opportunities for learning and social and emotional development following the standards, scope, and sequence of grade level and content areas.

The Special Education Resource Room Teacher in SPS holds high expectations for every student and strives to know each student’s unique learning strengths and needs. The teacher uses differentiated instruction strategies to ensure equitable and meaningful access to the curriculum and learning for all students.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed below reflect the primary duties of the position; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the role. Additional responsibilities that are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position may be assigned as needed to meet program, legal, or operational needs.

• Plan units and lessons and deliver instruction aligned to State standards and district curriculum
• Provide ongoing formative and summative assessments and analyze assessment data to determine students’ learning needs
• Adapt curriculum and instruction to teach all students according to their varied learning strengths and needs
• Establish and maintain culturally responsive and two-way communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers
• Collaborate with educators and related service providers for the delivery of specialized instruction and/or social and emotional support according to students’ needs
• Follow the guidance and direction of the School Principal and other school and district administrators to maintain a safe, welcoming, culturally affirming, and equitable learning environment
• Participate in professional growth opportunities, reflect on current practices, and incorporate new methodologies into instructional planning and delivery
• Maintain accurate student records, progress monitoring documentation, and other required educational records
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and accommodations in accordance with state and federal regulations
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth for all students
• Collaborate with families, staff, and administrators to support student success and educational access
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Knowledge of special education instructional practices and differentiated learning strategies
• Understanding of child and adolescent development and social-emotional learning practices
• Ability to provide inclusive, culturally responsive, and equitable instruction
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, staff, and community members
• Ability to analyze student assessment data and adjust instruction accordingly
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of IEP implementation, accommodations, and specialized instructional supports
• Proficiency with educational technology and digital communication platforms
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered educational practices

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods. 

Qualifications & Requirements

• Appropriate Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) educator licensure in the field or subject area required
• DESE SEI Endorsement required
• Bilingual Spanish/English educator preferred
• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs preferred
• Experience working in multicultural and multilingual educational environments preferred

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The School Principal and Director of Special Education Cooridnator

Terms of Employment

• Employment Status: Full Time
• Schedule: 208 days - Scheduled School Year
• FLSA Classification: Non Exempt
• Union Affiliation: Somerville Educators Union (SEU),  Unit A 
• Salary shall be commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with the Somerville Educator's Union collective bargaining agreement
• Proration Clause: Your compensation and working days for the initial pay period will be adjusted proportionally based on your official start date.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.