26-27 Teacher - Special Education Substantially Separate Autism Program

The A.I.M Program: Adapt, Include, Motivate

is a specially designed program for students on the autism spectrum. Students receive specialized instruction designed to fit their individual needs within a substantially separate classroom with opportunities in the general educational setting when deemed appropriate by the students educational team.

The program is supported by a team of clinical specialists: BCBA, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologist, and Counselor. The programs methodology of teaching relies heavily on the philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through the utilization of various strategies including:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
• Errorless learning
• Prompting hierarchies
• Incidental teaching

The classrooms also utilize a multi-sensory approach and total communication systems. Generalization of skills and independence are goals for all students within the program. Delivery of instruction occurs in 11 small group and/or large group settings with appropriate supports and behavioral plans in place.

The AIM program currently services children in pre-k through 8th grade in both the Capuano Early Childhood Center and the Winter Hill Community Innovation School.

Job Goal

The teacher in the Somerville Public Schools maintains the safety, care, and wellbeing of the students that they are charged with. They have an understanding of child and youth development and provide opportunities for learning and social and emotional development following the standards, scope, and sequence of grade level and content areas.

The teacher in SPS holds high expectations for every student and strives to know each students unique learning strengths and needs. The teacher uses differentiated instruction strategies to ensure equitable and meaningful access to the curriculum and learning for all students.

Schedule

• 209-day work year
• 184 days School Year Schedule
• Additional work days: 25 days outside of the regular school year, which would include SPED Summer School Programs.

Qualifications

• Appropriate Department of Elementary and Secondary Educators license in the field or subject for this position.
• DESE SEI endorsement Required.
• Bilingual Educator Preferred.

Responsibilities

• The teacher is responsible for the classroom and/or specific learning environment, including planning, preparation, and organization of materials for delivery of the curriculum.
• The teacher collaborates with other educators and communicates on an ongoing basis with all adults who share responsibility for their students learning.
• The teacher establishes a relationship with the parents and caregivers of their students and maintains two-way communication about progress in learning and social development.
• 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.

Position Reports To

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.