Special Education Teacher

The Ayer Shirley Regional School District is seeking a Middle School Special Education Teacher. This teacher will provide a positive, engaging classroom environment where students are taught both executive functioning and social-emotional skills. The teacher will also be able to lead and oversee paraprofessionals while collaborating with classroom teachers to provide IEP accommodations in an inclusive setting. The primary responsibilities of the Special Education Teacher will include, but not be limited to, the following: Modifies and/or adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized education programs within established lesson plans Works cooperatively with general education teachers for the purpose of assisting students with work initiation and completion Administers developmental testing programs, subject-specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels, monitoring student progress, and/or developing individual educational programs Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student achievement; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment 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 Collaborates with instructional staff, counselors, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan Directs instructional assistants for the purpose of providing an effective classroom program and addressing the needs of individual students Working with students and school-based mental health professionals on recognizing and understanding their thoughts and emotions, how those emotions and thoughts influence their behavior, how to cope with stress, maintaining positive and cooperative relationships with teachers and peers Monitors students' behavior/activities in a variety of educational environments for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment Participates in and/or coordinates a variety of meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions Prepares a variety of written materials for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements Other duties as determined by the building principal