Background on Southbridge Public Schools
Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2200 students in six schools. The district is presently undergoing extensive turnaround at all levels with the assistance of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This creates unique opportunities for teachers and students. One example is a recently announced long-term partnership with the University of Connecticut to develop Southbridge Schools to be a national demonstration site for successful implementation of PBIS strategies. Additionally, our district is the recipient of a number of significant grants that are allowing us to creatively redesign Secondary School curriculum enhancements, improved culture and climate, and afterschool opportunities for students. If you feel strongly about improving the educational experience for students and have a commitment to social justice, Southbridge Public Schools welcomes you.
More information about the districts turnaround efforts can be found here.
POSITION
Special Education Teacher
REPORTS TO
Building Principal
ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE
Implement and adapt direct, explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including the use of modified content methodology and performance criteria as needed, as well as assistive educational technology in the classroom for designated students receiving services in an inclusion setting.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Plans a program of study that as much as possible meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students. • Collaborate with grade-level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services to assigned students. • Promote and assist in the implementation of research-based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students academic and social goals within the regular education environment and throughout the school. • Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development, and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents, and administration. • Serve as a contact person for designated caseload, including completion of all associated paperwork, monitoring student performance, writing IEPs, progress reports, etc., management of the Team process, conducting Annual Reviews, conferencing with parents, team members, and maintenance of communication between teachers, specialists, families, and any outside providers. • Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students. • Use a multi-disciplinary approach to gather various sources of information for progress monitoring in order to routinely implement data-based decision-making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning. • Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students. • Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units, and projects. • Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers contract. • Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs of capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved. • Strives by instruction and action to implement the districts philosophy of education, instructional goals, and objectives, and performance expectations. • Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations. • Diagnoses the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required. • Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. • Follows the Southbridge Public Schools code of conduct for the classroom, which is consistent with established administrative policies, and develops rules of classroom behavior, which are enforced in a fair and just manner. • Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals and makes written evaluations as required. • Maintains an ongoing program of professional growth that satisfies district requirements but also satisfies personal expectations as a professional. • Takes an active part in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation. • Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision-making among the staff, said meetings to be held during the extended day. • Attend established traditional school-sponsored activities, e.g., Back to School Night, Open House programs, activities agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers contract. • Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being. • Strives to maintain and improve professional competence. • Provide supervision to assigned paraprofessionals. • Coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and the efficient use of resources. • Consult with staff and administration on instructional-student issues as an active participatory Team member. • Perform other duties as reasonably required.
QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
Education Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited institution Hold a valid Massachusetts Teaching License in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 or Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities All Levels Hold a valid Massachusetts SEI Endorsement or Grade-level appropriate ESL License Meet all state and federal guidelines in order to be fully licensed and Highly Qualified Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.
QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
Experience in urban high-poverty and/or turnaround schools Major or minor in specific teaching content area Additional certification in Teacher of English Language Learners ESL Demonstrated experience in English Language Development ELD and Sheltered English Immersion SEI strategies strongly preferred Bilingual language proficiency in Spanish and English strongly preferred The applicant should have knowledge and/or experience with students with moderate to severe needs.
Note: The Receiver may review and adjust the salary of an individual employee in order to attract or retain a highly qualified employee or when he otherwise determines such an adjustment is in the best interest of the district.
Equal Opportunity Employer Southbridge Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, religion, age, or sexual orientation.