Qualifications Education and Licensure Massachusetts teaching license in Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8 required Master''s degree preferred Experience and Skills Experience teaching students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings Knowledge of child development, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based special education practices Experience implementing inclusion, behavior support, and de-escalation strategies Experience and/or certification in Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, Lindamood-Bell, and/or language-based instructional approaches preferred Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills Writing IEPS under the new Massachusetts guidelines
Position Summary Westhampton Elementary School seeks a skilled, collaborative Special Education Teacher to provide specially designed instruction and case management services for elementary students with disabilities. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of Massachusetts and federal special education requirements, evidence-based reading, writing, and math intervention, inclusive practices, progress monitoring, IEP development, and family communication. This position requires a teacher who can support students across settings, collaborate effectively with general educators and related service providers, contribute to evaluation and eligibility processes, and ensure that IEPs are individualized, data-based, legally compliant, and implemented with fidelity. The successful candidate must be prepared to support district priorities related to early literacy, MTSS/DCAP alignment, Child Find, educational assessment documentation, MCAS participation decisions, MCAS-Alt eligibility review, progress monitoring, legally compliant IEP development, and accurate service delivery grids. The candidate must be able to balance inclusive practice with the delivery of intensive specialized instruction and must be committed to helping students access the general curriculum, make meaningful progress, and build independence in the least restrictive environment.
Essential Responsibilities Instruction and Student Learning Design and implement rigorous, standards-based instruction with measurable learning outcomes across several grade levels Provide push-in and/or pull-out instruction Support inclusion while providing intensive, specialized instruction Develop and adapt curriculum, lessons, and interventions to meet diverse student learning needs Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that encourages academic risk-taking and student ownership of learning Utilize a variety of formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and guide instructional planning Analyze assessment data to inform instruction and communicate student progress appropriately Use data to help determine when students need intervention, evaluation, or Team reconvening Demonstrate measurable impact on student learning, growth, and achievement Supports students in the general education classroom whenever appropriate Collaborates with general education teachers to adapt instruction Collect relevant data, participate in FBAs, and implement BIPs Determine and identify MCAS accommodations and MCAS-Alt eligibility Special Education Services Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with state and federal regulations Provide specialized instruction and targeted interventions for students with disabilities Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, and instructional strategies Support inclusive practices and promote student access to the general education curriculum Maintain accurate and timely student records, documentation, and progress reports Family and Community Engagement Foster positive and collaborative relationships with families Explains students'' progress clearly to families/caregivers Support parent participation at Team meetings and adhere to procedural safeguards Maintain regular, culturally responsive communication regarding student progress and learning needs Encourage family participation in the classroom and school community Collaborate with caregivers to support student success both at home and at school Professional Responsibilities Engage in ongoing professional growth and reflective practice Collaborate effectively with colleagues, specialists, and school teams Participate actively in school improvement efforts and shared decision-making Support the mission, goals, and values of the school and district Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal in accordance with contractual guidelines
General Expectations Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and reliability Maintain confidentiality and students' trust Establish cooperative and respectful relationships with students, families, and staff Manage multiple responsibilities effectively and meet deadlines Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing Utilize technology and standard office equipment effectively
Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM Start Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (Staff Professional Development Day)
District CORI Check required before employment begins Federal Fingerprint Check required before employment begins