Special Education Teacher - High School

Position: Special Education Teacher - High School

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for delivering engaging and effective instruction aligned with the established curriculum for high school students. The teacher will collaborate with colleagues and administrators to support student learning and contribute to a positive school environment. Responsibilities also include participating in professional development opportunities and attending meetings as needed to support students, academic programs, and overall school initiatives.

Nashoba Regional School District employs educators without regard to age, physical, mental or psychiatric disability, genetics, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, or military status. NRSD welcomes employees with diverse racial, cultural, religious, class, and/or gender backgrounds and experiences.

Organizational Scope:

Reporting directly to the building principal and working under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with the Nashoba Regional Education Association – Unit A, the Special Education Teacher advances the NRSD mission of inspiring and challenging all learners to realize their unique potential and to become active contributors to their community.

The foundation of the special education teacher’s work is guided by the NRSD core values of academic achievement and personal growth; voice, choice and agency; lifelong learning; a safe, caring and inclusive community; collaborative partnerships, innovation, and a sense of belonging.

Through a lens of equity, and as appropriate for the grade level of students, special education teachers integrate social emotional learning into the curriculum and engage in culturally responsive teaching.  

Position Responsibilities:

1. Modifies curriculum for students eligible for special education services;
2. Works to ensure the rights of students with disabilities to be full participants in the general curriculum;
3. Participates in the development of, and oversees implementation of student IEPs;
4. Develops lesson plans and instructional materials, and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to each students’ needs;
5. Evaluates and maintains data on student academic and personal growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports;
6. Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss student progress and to interpret the school program;
7. Continues with personal professional development;
8. Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district and self-selected professional growth activities;
9. Administers testing in accordance with the district testing program and to determine eligibility for special education services; and 
10. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.  
11. The omission of specific duties here does not exclude them from the position’s responsibilities if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Job Qualifications

1. Massachusetts DESE licensure as teacher of Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities, as appropriate to the assignment.  
2. Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.   
3. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well with students,  staff, administration, parents and the community.  
4. Must be able to assist in the protection of students and school property, and assist in fire and other emergencies or emergency drills as required by law and School Committee policy. 
5. The ability to work onsite in district schools and buildings is an essential function of this job.

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements of this role vary based on assignment and the age of students served. In general, the position involves the ability to move throughout the classroom and school environment, including standing and walking for extended periods on hard surfaces. The role may also require occasionally lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds, as well as bending, reaching, and repositioning as needed.

Work is primarily performed in a classroom setting and typically involves light physical activity. The environment includes regular interaction with students and staff, varying room temperatures, background noise, and frequent transitions or interruptions common in school settings. The position also requires the ability to use a computer and standard office equipment to support instruction and communication.

Terms of Employment, Evaluation of Performance, and Salary:

The Special Education Teacher is a Nashoba Regional School District Unit A position.  Terms of employment, including evaluation and salary, are covered by the provisions of the Unit A collective bargaining agreement currently in effect. Salary in accordance with the Unit A Salary Scale. The minimum and maximum salary is based on the Bachelors level scale. Candidate review begins immediately.