The Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children’s is seeking a full-time special education teacher for students with substantial support needs. Primary responsibilities include instruction in academics (access and entry points), life skills, communication, self-advocacy and independence. Experience in the use of assistive technologies, AAC, data collection and behavioral supports helpful. Qualified candidates should have or be eligible for a Massachusetts DESE teaching license in severe disabilities (all), or Moderate Disabilities (Prek-8 or 5-12). Competitive salary and benefits.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinates Development and Implementation of Each Student’s Individualized Education Program Plan.
1. Assesses students’ educational skills and needs and contributes, along with the family and other TEAM members, to the identification of appropriate learning goals, objectives, strategies, methodologies, instructional materials and relevant ongoing evaluative procedures for inclusion in students’ Individualized Educational Program Plans.
2. Coordinates the primary TEAM’s planning efforts and activities on behalf of each student within the homeroom class, facilitating interdisciplinary and thematic approaches to skill development.
3. Relates curricular content to the established goals and objectives of each student’s Individualized Education Program Plan, imbedding skills within chronologically age appropriate learning activities.
Formulates, Coordinates, Implements and Documents Appropriate Learning Activities for a Class of Students with Severe, Multiple Special Needs
1. Co-plans and co-leads therapy and specialty instructional groups in accordance with students’ goals and objectives.
2. Follows through and coordinates recommendations from various disciplines and works as an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team.
3. Provides for a variety of instructional models and learning strategies based on individual learning styles.
4. Encourages and enhances receptive and expressive communication through use of signed, keyword, English.
5. Incorporates use of assistive technology to enhance communication, productivity, independence, community access and environmental control.
6. Identifies, utilizes and effectively maintains appropriate personal care and instructional materials and equipment for all students.
7. Assists students in meeting personal care needs throughout the school day.
8. Presents well organized ongoing instructional/lesson plans that are consistent, comprehensive and appropriate for the individual student and the group.
9. Implements instructional plans geared toward active student participation and success, providing content appropriate, timely and supportive student feedback.
10. Provides appropriate learning opportunities for students outside of the homeroom setting, within an interclass cluster group, in school-wide activities, on campus and in the community.
11. Establishes and maintains classroom management techniques that contribute to the learning climate.
12. Demonstrates flexibility, resourcefulness and adaptability in approaches to meeting the unique needs of the learner.
Evaluates Student Performance, Providing Appropriate Documentation and Effective Communication of Findings
1. Develops and implements ongoing evaluation procedures, clearly documenting data, analysis and findings pertinent to student performance; reviews appropriate student records in a timely manner.
2. Completes reports and assignments within prescribed timeliness.
3. Coordinates development of quarterly student progress reports and each student’s primary TEAM and distributes these to the School’s administration, the student’s parent or guardian and to the Educational Team Liaison from the sponsoring public school system.
4. Utilizes formalized testing and/or information gathering tools with each student and/or primary home caregivers on at least at a tri-annual basis.
5. Periodically reports student performance findings to each student’s TEAM and parent/guardian, throughout the school year; provides written and oral reports on each student’s learning performance, instructional profile, goals and objectives on at least an annual basis.
Applies Appropriate Judgement in Maintaining a Safe, Healthy and Effective Learning Environment, on the School Campus and in the Community
1. Organizes and coordinates all class and student related activities.
2. Develops and implements a daily schedule of events and activities that reflects content, pacing and variety appropriate to identified student needs and skills.
3. Coordinates class, small group and individual student schedules, including learning activities, snack, lunch, personal care activities, therapies, health activities, specialty instructional sessions and leisure, ensuring that all services documented on each student’s Individual Educational Plan occur within the frequency and duration parameters specified.
4. Lifts and transports students weighing up to 150 pounds, using safe body mechanics.
5. Provides adequate instructional plans for substitutes.
6. Coordinates classroom staff schedules to ensure appropriate staff to student ratio for safe and effective implementation of all school activities.
7. Organizes classroom space and resources for maximum utility and safety.
Communicates Effectively, Verbally and in print, with Professional Colleagues, Students and Their Families, Demonstrating Supportive Listening; Communicates Constructive and Critical Information in a Professional and Timely Manner.
1. Acts as an information clearinghouse and conduit among TEAM members, with students’ families and with the School’s administration.
2. Effectively involves, advises and supervises Teaching Assistants, student interns and volunteers.
3. Participates effectively in scheduled parent-teacher meetings.
4. Initiates contact and communicates effectively with parents, using the parent/primary caregivers preferred method (note/telephone) and frequency, as often as daily and at least weekly.
5. Participates in visits to students’ homes and/or home communities to assist families in providing opportunities for skill generalization.
6. Communicates student social development, skills, habits, and achievements in a constructive and meaningful manner.
7. Demonstrates sensitivity to student needs and feelings and provides positive feedback.
8. Interprets students’ needs and other pertinent information from subtle expressions of sound, physical orientation, gesture and facial expression.
Demonstrates A Propensity Toward Proactive And Positive Courses Of Action, Remaining Open To New Concepts And Examining The Potential Of Each For Implementation Or Adaptation Within The Educational Setting.
1. To ensure safety, assists students in disembarking school transportation vehicles and entering school and later in re-embarkation at school dismissal.
2. Follows procedures and policies set forth by the Hospital and Day School Administration.
3. Responds constructively to supervision and administrative direction.
4. Demonstrates appropriate regard for arrival, departure and appointment schedules.
5. Contributes to School Cluster and Faculty meetings and activities, promoting group problem solving.
6. Fulfills continuing education requirements that may pertain to the position, whether mandated by regulation or instituted by Kennedy Day School Policies.
7. Uses self-evaluation as a means of goal setting and strives toward personal goals, for professional self-improvement, appropriately using other professionals as resources.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree; Master of Education preferred
Experience serving students with multiple, complex special needs
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,000.00 - $86,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Work Location: In person