Special Education Instructor

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The primary purpose of an Academic Instructor is to prepare students for success in college, career, and citizenship. This involves fostering critical thinking, promoting academic excellence, and equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen pathways and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide High-Quality Instruction: Deliver engaging instruction aligned with the applicable Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, utilizing a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse student learning needs.
2. Develop and Implement Curriculum: Design and adapt curriculum materials that promote critical thinking, real-world connections, and mastery of academic standards.
3. Enhance Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Support students' in developing analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning and performance tasks.
4. Integrate Authentic Learning Opportunities: Provide students with portfolio-worthy projects and activities that connect academic content to post-secondary education, career pathways, and real-world experiences.
5. Promote Research and Technology Use: Develop students' research and digital literacy skills by integrating technology and teaching them to analyze and synthesize information.
6. Assess and Support Student Growth: Utilize formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, provide meaningful feedback and help students achieve their goals.
7. Foster a Positive Learning Environment: Create an inclusive classroom culture that encourages collaboration, respect, and a growth mindset.
8. Participate in Professional Growth and Program Development: Stay current in content area, technology, and education through ongoing professional development. Assist in updating curriculum, and instructional materials to align with evolving standards and best practices.
9. Collaborate and Support School Initiatives: Work cooperatively with school leadership and colleagues to support school policies and initiatives. Contribute to the development of departmental budgets, purchasing processes, and other operational tasks.
10. Ensure Student Safety and Well-Being: Maintain a safe, structured, and supervised learning environment by actively monitoring student behavior; implementing classroom safety protocols; responding appropriately to emergencies; and adhering to all district policies, procedures, and training related to student safety, supervision, and well-being.
11. Perform Additional Duties as Assigned: Complete additional tasks as directed by the immediate supervisor, Assistant Superintendent/Principal, or Superintendent-Director.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Is responsible to the CTE Chairperson/Director of the applicable content area
2. Must work cooperatively with all faculty and staff to support student success and school operations.

QUALIFICATIONS (Preparation, Experience, Competencies, Personal Attributes):

1. Massachusetts teacher licensure at the secondary level in applicable content area required or possess the minimum requirements to be eligible for licensure
2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. Master's Degree preferred.
3. Strong curriculum development skills, with creativity in designing engaging, standards-aligned instructional materials.
4. Strong classroom management skills, with the ability to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
5. In-depth knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and current educational best practices.
6. Experience implementing research-based instructional strategies, including inquiry-based learning, performance-based assessments and structured writing supports.