Job Title: Special Education Teacher – UFR #115
Reports to: Executive/Ed Director of Education/ COO
Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $58,656 - $70,000
Primary Responsibility: Responsible for the preparation, implementation, and evaluation through trauma-informed care of the daily educational program for special needs students within the classroom
Hours: 8:15am - 4:15pm
Essential Duties:
- Prepare students academically, emotionally and socially for the future
- Foster a creative, supportive and nurturing learning environment for students by building strong relationships
- Implement the current I.E.P. of each student and work toward the specified goals
- Prepare, implement, and evaluate the daily educational program for assigned students using the provided curriculum and learning materials.
- Prepare, update and follow the Block Schedule required for the classroom according to DESE requirements.
- Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher’s assistants across multiple settings and subjects
- Help students learn to be self-disciplined and respectful contributors to their classroom, family and community
- Knowledgeable of MA Curriculum Frameworks to modify for students, when necessary
- Write quarterly progress reports and complete report cards and meet the time deadlines for completion of these reports
- Draft the I.E.P. for each assigned student and meet the time deadlines for completion of these reports
- Participate in MCAS training and incorporate that training in the students’ preparation for MCAS exams/MCAS alternative portfolios
- Administer/proctor MCAS to their students
- Offer to meet at least two times a year with the parents/guardians of assigned students at the convenience of the parents
- Maintain good order and discipline of students, in the classroom/school, at all times
- Maintain and regularly update the appearance of the classroom/school to be a healthy and engaging learning environment
- Develop a plan to ensure that the classroom environment is enriched with manipulatives and activities related to the educational needs of the students and in conjunction with the Educational Director’s approval refresh supplies as needed.
- Monitor students during arrival, lunch, recess, and dismissal times, when needed
- Exchange information among staff concerning the students’ progress
- Mentor, coach and provide direct instruction to the teacher aides, student teachers, interns and volunteers as assigned and as necessary
- Work as team member within Nazareth’s framework
- Participate in regular staff meetings, in-service meetings, individual and group case conferences during the school day and after school, when necessary
- Participate in at least two hours of in-service training per month
General Responsibilities:
- Drive youth to field trips, when necessary
- Respect, maintain and honor confidentiality
- Maintain regular, punctual work hours
- Attend Nazareth meetings and functions which are appropriate to the role
- Maintain professional development requirements for renewal of certification/licensure
- Participate in all mandated training and other annual opportunities for required hours
- Perform and complete all other tasks as assigned.
In all areas, perform other related duties as required and/or assigned.
Qualifications:
- Massachusetts Certified Teacher of Moderate Special Needs
- Knowledge of changes in the field of Special Education
Skills/Abilities:
- Assumes a level of maturity and sensitivity in dealing with and communicating with children, parents, co-workers, interns, and visitors to our program
- Interact with the total staff regarding routine schedule of the program; consult with staff when indicated with reference to specific problems and needs of students
- Is able to be consistent in implementing a structural daily routine
- Implements educational assessments to identify goals and objectives for assigned students
- Supports, instructs, and supervises assigned teacher aides, student teachers, interns and volunteers
- Communicate, establish working relationships and create a spirit of teamwork with co-workers in the classroom and when engaged in Nazareth’s activities
- Is able to be flexible, sensitive, and supportive to the needs of students, parents, and co-workers
- Cope with emergencies and direct the situation as necessary
- Follow written and oral instructions
- Prepare develop, comprehensive assessments, reports and documentation as necessary
- Has a positive outlook
- Understand and implement trauma informed practices to support students developement
Licenses/Certifications:
- Massachusetts Certification as Teacher of Children with Moderate Special Needs
- Employee required to maintain Certification as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Maintain active certification in First Aid, CPR, CPI, Non-violent Crisis Intervention and all other required trainings
- Maintain compliance with health regulations throughout employment
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Physical/Mental Requirements:
- Must be able to read, write, and speak English. Bilingual capacity in English/Spanish an asset.
- Must be able to communicate effectively by telephone and in person. Must be able to record clear messages and keep accurate records
- Must be proficient in computer skills
- Must demonstrate maturity and ability to deal effectively with emotionally demanding and stressful situations.
- Must be able to observe behavior, interactions between individuals and relate observations to the appropriate person.
- Must be able to travel to various sites to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars.
- Must be able to emotionally handle constant repetition of giving directions, and initiating same tasks over and over until skills are learned
- Must be able to understand and carry out directions and instructions
- Must be able to complete timely reports and records
- Must be able to bend, assist in lifting a person, twist and sit on floor for implementation of daily schedule.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Must be able to physically escort and physically restrain residents.
- Must have manual dexterity and motor skills to grasp and lift objects.
- Must be able to bend and lift to purchase and access program supplies.
- Must be able to walk and climb stairs for entry and mobility throughout the buildings, which may have several levels of stairs as well as for program implementation.
- Must be able to walk, run and hike, swim and join in other physical activities with individuals.
- Must be able to continue to achieve a satisfactory competency and performance evaluation annually
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $58,656.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
Supplemental pay types:
Application Question(s):
- Will you be able to pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Background Check?
- Do you have a clean driving record? If not, please explain any violation/citations including accidents?
Education:
Experience:
- Teaching: 1 year (Required)
- Special education: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Required)
- Special Education Certification (Required)
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Leicester, MA 01524: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person