Special Education Teacher

The Pallotta School serves students between the ages of 3 and 15 requiring an out-of-district day placement or a 45-day assessment. The goal of the Pallotta School is to best support our students in strengthening their emotional and behavioral regulation skills so that they can successfully access the least restrictive learning environment based on their individual needs. Pallotta School students include (but are not limited to) students with diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, other Emotional Disabilities, Developmental Delays, and/or Specific Learning Disabilities. Pallotta School students may have experienced traumatic events in their past, and/or may have struggled with internalized or externalized behaviors in their school settings. In addition to challenges with emotion and behavior regulation, Pallotta School students may experience challenges with focus and attention, social skills, self-advocacy skills, self-confidence, and academic skills.

The primary task of the Special Education Teacher is the academic instruction of the students. Because of the overlapping nature of the learning disabilities and special needs of the students, responsibilities are broad and include generic responsibilities shared by all professional staff.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required at all levels of positions given this title. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Massachusetts Teacher's License in K-8 Moderate Special Needs required
• Must be receptive and responsive to supervision and professional development
• Commitment to highest quality of care.
• Patience, empathy, and compassion for entire student body and staff.
• Flexibility in thinking and action.
• Strong computer skills and experience, use of internet and comfort with learning client information system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong skill regarding follow up and follow through on tasks.
• Strong organizational and motivational abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Evidence of sensitivity and respect for client’s culture and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Ability to provide therapeutic physical restraint without limitations.
• Visual and hearing acuity to perform job related functions.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparation and implementation of daily lesson plans.
• Supervision of Assistant Teachers and Classroom Aides/Childcare Workers in daily classroom functioning and in weekly supervision meetings.
• Assessment and diagnoses of levels and specific learning difficulties and behaviors by way of observation, formal and informal assessment, and ongoing recording of individual student's performance.
• General compliance with MA and Federal Special Education regulations in cooperation with and at the direction of the Director of Special Education. This includes written educational assessments and quarterly reports, attendance at IEP Team Evaluation meetings, and the preparation of detailed educational plans for each student.
• Evaluation of Assistant Teachers, interns and special projects in conjunction with the Director of Special Education.
• Attendance at Staff and Supervision meetings.
• Attendance at clinical conferences/progress reviews and the preparation of oral and written reports for such meetings.
• Development of an individual program for all summer school students.
• Assist in Lunch/Recess duty as scheduled.
• Assist the Director of Special Education in the design of methods for evaluating curriculum and establishing policies regarding the operation of the school program.
• Maintain and increase effectiveness in behavior management and communicating with other professional staff through the use of training, supervision, and consultation.

Italian Home for Children is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are dedicated to ensuring a fair hiring process and an equitable work environment. If you require accommodations during the application, and/or interview process, please contact hr@italianhome.org.

The expected base salary for this role is between $70,000-$85,000 USD, dependent on experience. This number does not reflect additional compensation-related benefits such as PTO, medical and life insurance, EAP, and the Italian Home for Children 403(b) retirement plan.

#JoinIHC