Qualifications
Education and Licensure
Massachusetts teaching license in Moderate Disabilities, PreK–8 required
Master's degree preferred
Experience and Skills
Experience teaching students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings
Knowledge of child development, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based special education practices
Experience implementing inclusion, behavior support, and de-escalation strategies
Experience and/or certification in Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, Lindamood-Bell, and/or language-based instructional approaches preferred
Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills
Writing IEPS under the new Massachusetts guidelines
Position Summary
Westhampton Elementary School seeks a skilled, collaborative Special Education Teacher to provide specially designed instruction and case management services for elementary students with disabilities. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of Massachusetts and federal special education requirements, evidence-based reading, writing, and math intervention, inclusive practices, progress monitoring, IEP development, and family communication. This position requires a teacher who can support students across settings, collaborate effectively with general educators and related service providers, contribute to evaluation and eligibility processes, and ensure that IEPs are individualized, data-based, legally compliant, and implemented with fidelity.
The successful candidate must be prepared to support district priorities related to early literacy, MTSS/DCAP alignment, Child Find, educational assessment documentation, MCAS participation decisions, MCAS-Alt eligibility review, progress monitoring, legally compliant IEP development, and accurate service delivery grids. The candidate must be able to balance inclusive practice with the delivery of intensive specialized instruction and must be committed to helping students access the general curriculum, make meaningful progress, and build independence in the least restrictive environment.
Essential Responsibilities
Instruction and Student Learning
Design and implement rigorous, standards-based instruction with measurable learning outcomes across several grade levels
Provide push-in and/or pull-out instruction
Support inclusion while providing intensive, specialized instruction
Develop and adapt curriculum, lessons, and interventions to meet diverse student learning needs
Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that encourages academic risk-taking and student ownership of learning
Utilize a variety of formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and guide instructional planning
Analyze assessment data to inform instruction and communicate student progress appropriately
Use data to help determine when students need intervention, evaluation, or Team reconvening
Demonstrate measurable impact on student learning, growth, and achievement
Supports students in the general education classroom whenever appropriate
Collaborates with general education teachers to adapt instruction
Collect relevant data, participate in FBAs, and implement BIPs
Determine and identify MCAS accommodations and MCAS-Alt eligibility
Special Education Services
Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with state and federal regulations
Provide specialized instruction and targeted interventions for students with disabilities
Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and instructional strategies
Support inclusive practices and promote student access to the general education curriculum
Maintain accurate and timely student records, documentation, and progress reports
Family and Community Engagement
Foster positive and collaborative relationships with families
Explains students' progress clearly to families/caregivers
Support parent participation at Team meetings and adhere to procedural safeguards
Maintain regular, culturally responsive communication regarding student progress and learning needs
Encourage family participation in the classroom and school community
Collaborate with caregivers to support student success both at home and at school
Professional Responsibilities
Engage in ongoing professional growth and reflective practice
Collaborate effectively with colleagues, specialists, and school teams
Participate actively in school improvement efforts and shared decision-making
Support the mission, goals, and values of the school and district
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal in accordance with contractual guidelines
General Expectations
Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality
Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and reliability
Maintain confidentiality and students’ trust
Establish cooperative and respectful relationships with students, families, and staff
Manage multiple responsibilities effectively and meet deadlines
Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing
Utilize technology and standard office equipment effectively
Work Schedule
Monday–Friday
8:15 AM – 3:15 PM
Start Date:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (Staff Professional Development Day)
District CORI Check required before employment begins
Federal Fingerprint Check required before employment begins