Lower School Special Education Teacher

The Gifford School; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading school is seeking a dedicated special education teacher to craft and deliver tailored lessons, ensuring all students' individual needs are met. The ideal candidate will have a Massachusetts special education license and extensive classroom experience, working collaboratively with a team to enhance student learning and behavior. This role not only focuses on delivering high-quality education but also on fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in a special education setting preferred.
• Understanding of therapeutic milieu and classroom management strategies.
• Ability to participate in outdoor physical activities, including kneeling and lifting.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver effective lessons and activities aligned with MA Curriculum Frameworks.
• Collaborate with teachers to differentiate instruction based on students’ IEPs.
• Manage classroom behaviors and maintain safety through physical management techniques.

Skills

Knowledge of subject area

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Writing skills

Education

Massachusetts special education license: Moderate Disabilities PreK-8

Job description

Qualifications:
● Knowledge of subject area, content and teaching methodology
● Massachusetts special education license: Moderate Disabilities PreK-8
● Experience working in special education setting (at least three years preferred)
● Understanding of therapeutic milieu and classroom management strategies
● Strong communication, organization and writing skills
Schedule:
● 10 months/full time
● Salary and benefits, including vacation time, determined by the Executive Director
Supervised by: Head Teacher
Responsibilities:
● Plan and deliver effective lessons, activities, homework and units aligned with MA
Curriculum Frameworks
● Differentiate instruction, lessons, and homework consistent with students’ IEPs
and learning needs
● Work collaboratively with teachers within your team to plan lessons and
brainstorm ideas and strategies for working with students who are struggling both
behaviorally and academically
● Collect data on student performance based on IEP goals and benchmarks
● Report on student progress through quarterly progress reports
● Complete IEPs and progress reports on schedule
● Attend IEP team meetings, as needed
● Work with Head Teacher, team, and other academic teachers to conduct
curriculum based assessments, MCAS, and other assessments, as indicated
● Participate actively in formal and informal supervision and training to increase
understanding of learning issues, refine teaching practices and continually improve
overall job performance
● Provide coverage for classes/electives when indicated
● Supervise and engage with students during socially focused times, such as snack
and lunch
● Effectively manage the classroom and school setting by respond to student
behaviors in the classroom and throughout the milieu by utilizing Gifford
behavioral systems● Utilize physical management (Safety Care) techniques to help maintain community
safety
● Demonstrate respect for diversity among our staff and student body and promote a
safe learning environment for all students and community members
● Lead group activities and student interest groups
● Actively participate in daily team meetings, activities, and all staff meetings
● Communicate serious incidents and other pertinent matters to appropriate leaders
in a timely and effective manner and write incident reports when necessary
● Develop positive relationships with families and serve as case monitor for assigned
students to inform parents of student progress
● Participate in a few out of hours activities, such as Parents’ Night
● Understand and represent Gifford’s culture and mission to students, families and
others
● Within the context of your position at Gifford and as the job evolves, be open to
new ideas, opportunities and responsibilities assigned by your supervisor and/or
the Executive Director
Physical Requirements
● Ability to participate in outdoor physical activities to include kneeling, stooping
and lifting up to 25 pounds