Moderate Special Education Teacher

Waltham Public Schools; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Waltham Public Schools is seeking a dedicated educator to provide specialized instruction to students with special education handicapping conditions within the Bridge Program. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to promote social, emotional and academic success, utilizing research-based strategies and data-driven IEP benchmarks.

The role involves a small, structured classroom setting, with inclusion opportunities when appropriate, and collaboration with a school adjustment counselor and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Severe Special Needs licensure from the MA DESE.
• Demonstrated subject matter competence, highly qualified, in the area of licensure.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks is expected.

Responsibilities

• Management of the Learning Environment.
• Utilizes effective and varied instructional techniques and procedures.
• Provides a standards-based, student centered environment in each class taught.
• Maintains a pleasant, neat and well-organized classroom.
• Performs scheduled duties promptly.
• Fulfills paperwork responsibilities promptly.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service educational activities.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the content area.
• Understands and implements the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Assumes responsibility for providing a safe, supportive learning environment for every student.
• Relates well to students of varied proficiency.
• Guides students toward self-control.

Skills

Effective instruction

Differentiation

Assessment administration

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Master’s degree

Severe Special Needs licensure

Subject matter competence

Job description

The purpose of this position is to have an individual who can provide specialized instruction to students with special education handicapping conditions.

The Bridge Program is an educational therapeutic program with a multidisciplinary team including, but not limited to, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, school adjustment counselors and a BCBA with additional related service providers. These providers are trained to provide appropriate, individualized proactive crisis intervention in a wrap-around team model to promote student independence and appropriate self-regulation tools. Students within the Bridge Program have access to a small, highly structured classroom setting and have staffed inclusion opportunities provided when appropriate. A variety of research-based strategies are utilized (including behavioral intervention plans and Response to Mental Health protocols) to promote social, emotional and academic success and confidence within all educational settings. Data is collected and analyzed regularly on individual IEP benchmarks. Students utilize individualized and small group support for academics as needed. Support and inclusion is determined based on data driven students’ needs specified at the IEP Team meeting. The teacher hired for this position will be 1 of 4 teachers who, along with a dedicated school adjustment counselor and 2 paraprofessionals, support these students.

Qualifications

Qualifications: ..

Education, Training and Experience

1. Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Severe Special Needs licensure from the MA DESE
3. Demonstrated subject matter competence, highly qualified, in the area of licensure.

Knowledge Required

1. Currency in the curriculum including knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
2. Effective planning and assessment of curriculum and instruction.
3. Effective classroom management.
4. Effective instruction in a standards-based classroom.
5. Promotion of high standards and expectations for student proficiency.
6. Promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity.
7. Effective integration of technology across the curriculum.
8. Fulfillment of professional responsibilities.

Abilities Required

1. Ability to deliver effective instruction.
2. Ability to differentiate instruction to meet student needs.
3. Ability to administer required student testing and assessments.
4. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.

Skills Required

1. Effective classroom management skills.
2. Excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
3. Effective interpersonal skills.
4. Skills in the specific subject matter of instruction.

Supervision

Supervision Scope:

Supervises students and evaluates their achievement.

Supervision Given and Received:

Supervised by principal and/or director.

Description of Duties

1. Management of the Learning Environment
2. Utilizes effective and varied instructional techniques and procedures.
3. Provides a standards-based, student centered environment in each class taught.
4. Utilizes educational materials properly.
5. Maintains a pleasant, neat and well-organized classroom.
6. Performs scheduled duties promptly.
7. Fulfills paperwork responsibilities promptly.
8. Maintains professional competence through in-service educational activities.
9. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the content area.
10. Understands and implements the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
11. Assumes responsibility for providing a safe, supportive learning environment for every student.
12. Relates well to students of varied proficiency.
13. Provides and promotes opportunities for students to develop a wholesome self-concept.
14. Guides students toward self-control.
15. Provides effective student structure in the total school setting.
16. Accepts responsibility for the well-being of each assigned student.
17. Remains approachable to students and parents, as needed.
18. Contributes to a positive and effective working relationship between school and home.
19. Adheres to the academic, ethical and social standards of the profession.
20. Speaks and writes clearly, understandably and appropriately.
21. Dresses appropriately and is well-groomed.
22. Accepts constructive criticism.
23. Applies suggestions for improvement.
24. Uses confidential information for professional purposes only.
25. Is equitable and sensitive and responsive to all learners.
26. Realizes that good attendance is necessary for effective learning.
27. Participates in ongoing professional development, including all district sponsored initiatives.
28. Aligns instruction to the Massachusetts frameworks and to departmental syllabi.
29. Shows evidence of helping to promote positive working relationships will school personnel.
30. Demonstrates willingness to share and exchange ideas, skills, techniques and materials.
31. Works effectively with administrative personnel.
32. Accepts and implements school and district decisions.
33. Fulfills assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities.
34. Complies with school department procedures and school committee policies.

Salary: As per the WEA contract.