26-27 Special Education AIM Teacher`

Somerville Public Schools; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerville Public Schools is seeking an educator for the AIM program (Adapt, Include, Motivate) serving students on the autism spectrum in a largely classroom-based setting. Instruction follows ABA principles with DTT, prompting, and incidental teaching, delivered 1:1 or in small groups.

Responsibilities include lesson planning, data-driven assessment, curriculum adaptation, and strong family communication under the SEU framework. Ongoing professional development is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Educator license/credential required for the position.
• DESE SEI endorsement required to work in SEI settings.
• Bilingual educator preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Plans units and lessons aligned to State standards and district curriculum.
• Provides ongoing formative and summative assessments and analyzes data to inform instruction.
• Adapts curriculum and instruction to meet varied learning needs.
• Establishes culturally responsive two-way communication with families and guardians.
• Collaborates with educators to deliver specialized instruction and social-emotional support.
• Maintains a safe, welcoming, equitable learning environment per district guidance.
• Engages in professional growth and incorporates new instructional methods.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Principal/Supervisor.

Skills

Bilingual educator preferred

Education

Educator license (DESE)

DESE SEI endorsement

Job description

Position Summary

The A.I.M Program (Adapt, Include, Motivate) is a specially designed program for students on the autism spectrum. Students receive specialized instruction designed to fit their individual needs within a substantially separate classroom with opportunities in the general educational setting when deemed appropriate, by the student’s educational team. The program is supported by a team of clinical specialists (BCBA, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologist and Counselor). The program’s methodology of teaching relies heavily on the philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through the utilization of various strategies including discrete trial training (DTT), errorless learning, prompting hierarchies, and incidental teaching. The classrooms also utilize a multi-sensory approach and total communication systems. Generalization of skills and independence are goals for all students within the program. Delivery of instruction occurs in 1:1, small group, and/or large group settings with appropriate supports and behavioral plans in place. The AIM program currently services children in pre-k through 8th grade in both the Capuano Early Childhood Center and the Winter Hill Community Innovation School.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Plans units and lessons and delivers instruction aligned to State standards and district curriculum.
• Provides ongoing formative and summative assessments and analyzes assessment data in order to determine learning needs of students.
• Adapts curriculum and instruction to teach all students according to their varied learning strengths and needs.
• Establishes and maintains culturally responsive and two-way communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers.
• Collaborates with other educators for the delivery of specialized instruction and\/or social and emotional support according to students’ needs.
• Follows the guidance and direction of the School Principal and other school and district administrators to maintain a safe, welcoming, culturally affirming, and equitable learning environment.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities, reflects on current practices, and incorporates new methodologies into instructional planning and delivery.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Principal\/Supervisor and in accordance with the SEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Appropriate Department of Elementary and Secondary Educator's license in the field or subject for this position
• DESE SEI endorsement Required
• Bilingual Educator Preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting\/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting\/standing) for long periods.

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The school building principal and Director of Special Education
• Position Supervises: Not applicable

Terms of Employment

• Employment Status: Full Time
• Schedule: 208 days - Scheduled School Year
• FLSA Classification: Non Exempt
• Salary shall be commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with the Somerville Educator's Union collective bargaining agreement

209-day work year

Scheduled School Year: 184 days

Additional work days: 25 days outside of the regular school year which would include SPED Summer School Programs.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.