26-27 Special Education SKIP Teacher

Position Summary

The SKIP Special Education teacher is responsible for the classroom and/or specific learning environment including planning, preparation, and organization of instructional materials for delivery of the curriculum. This severe special education classroom (sometimes called a self-contained classroom for students with severe disabilities) is designed to meet the unique needs of students with significant cognitive, physical, medical, or multiple disabilities. These classrooms are highly structured and individualized to support both academic and functional life skills. The Special Education teacher collaborates with other educators (Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), Occupational Therapists (OT), Physical Therapists (PT), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), counselors, etc.) and communicates on an ongoing basis with all adults who share responsibility for their students' learning. The Special Education teacher establishes a relationship with the parents and caregivers of their students and maintains two-way communication about progress in learning and social development.

209-day work year

Scheduled School Year: 184 days

Additional work days: 25 days outside of the regular school year which would include SPED Summer School Programs.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be 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

• Plans units and lessons and delivers instruction aligned to State standards and district curriculum.
• Provides ongoing formative and summative assessments and analyzes assessment data in order to determine learning needs of students.
• Adapts curriculum and instruction to teach all students according to their varied learning strengths and needs.
• Establishes and maintains culturally responsive and two-way communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers.
• Collaborates with other educators for the delivery of specialized instruction and/or social and emotional support according to students' needs.
• Follows the guidance and direction of the School Principal and other school and district administrators to maintain a safe, welcoming, culturally affirming, and equitable learning environment.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities, reflects on current practices, and incorporates new methodologies into instructional planning and delivery.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Appropriate Department of Elementary and Secondary Educator's license in the field or subject for this position
• DESE SEI endorsement Required
• Bilingual Educator Preferred
• Experience in teaching severe special needs students Preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The school building principal and Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment

• Position Type: Full Time
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Union Status: SEU, Unit A
• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.