SY 26-27 Special Education Teacher - Mod Disabilities

The Special Education Teacher at Goodrich Academy is responsible for delivering a high-quality instructional experience consistent with the curriculum standards of the school district.  

Goodrich Academy is a public high school that prepares and empowers its students academically, socially, and emotionally. Guided by its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, our school is founded on the belief that all students have a right to learn at their own pace and in a manner suited to their unique abilities. In a nurturing environment of high expectations and mutual respect, our students mature into independent, reasoning individuals who make responsible decisions, adapt to a changing world, and develop into engaged and productive community members. It is the goal of Goodrich Academy to ensure that all students will graduate with academic skills, habits of mind, and technological literacy that will enable them to think critically, problem solve, collaborate, and communicate effectively.

Essential duties for all faculty members include classroom instruction; conferences with students, parents, and colleagues; and active participation in the work of the department on curriculum development, activities, and pedagogy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in one of these areas:
• Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities  5–12*
• SEI Endorsement
• Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children to effectively problem-solve
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Special Education Teacher will:

• Provide learning experiences in the assigned subject area as guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment that is conducive to student learning;
• Write student IEP progress reports and goals;
• Assess students as required;
• Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate opportunities for learning using response to intervention (RTI) framework;
• Meet and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum standards and establish clear objectives that reflect these standards for all lessons, units, and projects;
• Implements the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives;
• Document the progress and/or concerns of students and seek the assistance of  additional district specialists as required;
• Monitor and supervise students, through effective classroom management;
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement;
• Be responsible for using innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn;
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues;
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy;
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification;
• Write student IEP progress reports and goals;
• Administer formal and informal assessments as required;
• Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Maintain and improve professional competence especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness;
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students;
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and English Learners;
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building Principal/SPSA 

Reports to:        Principal/SPSA

Evaluated by:    Principal/SPSA

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits. 

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us