REPORTS TO: Principal and/or Director of Special Education
SUMMARY: 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.
POSITION TYPE: 1 year 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.
Demonstrates an understanding of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards.
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
Develops appropriate instructional materials, activities, & lesson plans, with modifications and accommodations appropriate for individual students taking into consideration cognitive levels and age-appropriateness.
Monitor and support individual needs.
Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
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
Implement IEP, collect data for goals, and create and attend annual IEP meetings.
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
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
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.
Assists pupils in dealing with academic, personal and social problems.
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.
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.
Participates in ongoing professional development activities related to student population & certification areas.
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 Teacher Evaluation Agreement
Adheres to the voted upon collective bargaining agreement and any applicable MOUs/MOAs between the Sutton Teachers Association and School Committee
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervises 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:
Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field
Ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public
Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously
Uses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology
Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Board of Education policies
Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student records
Ability to exercise good professional judgment in assessing emergency situations and act accordingly
Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development
Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of baccalaureate degree, master’s degree preferred
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
DESE Certification in Moderate Disabilities Pre-K to 8
Must possess valid Massachusetts teacher licensure appropriate for subject area to be taught
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.