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Preschool Special Education Teacher

Sutton Public Schools
21 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Sutton, Massachusetts, United States
POSITION TITLE: Preschool Special Education Teacher

REPORTS TO: Principal and/or Director of Special Education

SUMMARY: The Simonian Center for Early Learning is in search of a 1.0 FTE Preschool Special Education Teacher to begin in the 2026-27 school year. Teacher of an inclusive early childhood classroom responsible for developing special education and general 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.
Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of the students.
Establishes and maintains pupil-teacher relationships conducive to effective teaching and learning.
Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
Participates in planning of curriculum goals and relevant student performance objectives. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals.
Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and the like and communicates these objectives to students. Helps students to develop individual learning goals and objectives.
Develops appropriate instructional materials, activities, & lesson plans, with modifications and accommodations appropriate for individual students taking into consideration cognitive levels and age-appropriateness.
Evaluates individual student accomplishment of goals and objectives, records progress, and adjusts individual and group learning activities accordingly.
Identifies pupil needs and makes appropriate referrals and develops strategies for individual education plans.
Works with guidance specialists, staff members, parents, and outside persons or agencies to assist students with special problems.
Works with parents/caregivers of individual children to help guide the growth and development of the children.
Demonstrates an understanding of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards.
Participates in ongoing professional development activities related to student population & certification areas.
Communicates regularly with parents/caregivers by means of newsletters, notes, phone calls, conferences, etc.
Is available to students and parents/caregivers for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
Properly utilizes and conserves physical facilities, equipment and supplies.
Assist in the task of operating the school as a community of cooperative and constructive members.
Integrate technology within instruction to increase student comprehension and interest.
Maintains an understanding of the philosophies and principles utilized in District-wide programs.

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 Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Experiences.
Adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized education programs (IEPs) and all learning styles of children.
Plan and implement activities that meet the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social needs of their students
Provide tools and resources for children to use and explore during learning and play activities
Monitor and support individual needs.
Implement IEP, collect data for goals, and create and attend annual IEP meetings.
Maintain safe, clean, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environments Establish and enforce rules of behavior for children in their classrooms
Maintain confidentiality and a high level of professionalism at all times
Maintain compliance with all state regulations related to the Massachusetts DESE
Participate in professional development and monthly staff meetings Performs other duties as assigned
Administers 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
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
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 the 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
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 baccalaureate degree, master’s degree preferred

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified in Early Childhood PK-2 and Moderate Special Needs
Restraint experience beneficial

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 workday 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.