Teacher - Special Education - Preschool

Young World Physical Education; Chicopee (MA); On-site; USD 55,395 - 97,700; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a full-time Teacher for Special Education in Chicopee, Massachusetts, responsible for delivering the district curriculum tailored to the diverse needs of students. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree and be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

The salary is competitive, ranging from $55,395 to $97,700 per year. Applicants should be prepared to work collaboratively with teachers and staff while supervising paraprofessionals and facilitating student assessment and progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and implement the district curriculum.
• Supervise paraprofessionals and coordinate classroom activities.
• Evaluate student progress towards IEP goals.
• Communicate effectively with parents and other stakeholders.

Skills

Classroom organization

Collaboration

Effective communication

Adaptability

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Licensed by Massachusetts Department of Education

Job description

Chicopee Public Schools Szetela Early Childhood School - Chicopee, Massachusetts

Job Description

Title: Teacher - Special Education

Type: Contract Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement

Salary: Per Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement

Reports To: Building Principal

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Objective: The primary function of a special education teacher is to deliver the district curriculum in multiple ways that promotes student learning and achievement while accounting for the special and diverse needs of special education students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the organization and structure of assigned classroom.
• Works collaboratively with teachers, instructors, coordinators, and administration to support student needs.
• Plans and supervises classroom schedule; develops and implements curriculum plans.
• Coordinates roles of paraprofessionals, cooperating teachers and other personnel assigned to the classroom.
• Facilitates the development of new skills with assigned paraprofessionals.
• Maintains open communication with case workers and interdisciplinary team members.
• Identifies needed materials and equipment pursuant to educational plans.
• Directly supervises paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom.
• Ensures education of each student consistent with IEP goals and objectives.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of each student’s functioning level and drafts IEP and progress notes.
• Completes and distributes progress notes detailing student progress toward IEP goals.
• Participates in meetings, IEP meetings, clinics and in‑services.
• Implements required activities/testing/reporting of MCAS as directed by state guidelines.
• Develops communication systems for each child with consultant guidance and maintains communication with parents/legal guardians.
• Regularly meets with consultants, ancillary personnel and nursing staff to stay informed of students’ medical status.
• Physically manages students’ educational and personal care needs, including lifting, positioning and changing.
• Cooperates with other departments to ensure smooth transitions when students move between departments.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Communicates with parents, medical, nursing, educational and other consultants.
• Maintains liaison with students, families, support personnel and agencies to ensure needs are continually met.
• Provides limited personal care to students when required.
• Works on one’s feet for extended periods.
• Counsels students when adjustment or academic problems arise and refers them to services.
• Other duties as assigned by the principal, administration or superintendent.
• Prepares class objectives and outlines aligned with district curriculum.
• Prepares, administers, corrects and analyzes student assessments; uses results to plan lessons.
• Instructs students on rules of conduct and expected behaviours.
• Manages class and other students during campus and off‑campus events.
• Regularly informs parents or guardians of students’ academic performance and behaviour.
• Maintains records, attendance and grades as required by school.
• Plans, organizes and delivers differentiated instruction in alignment with district curriculum.
• Provides timely feedback to students, parents and guardians on evaluations.
• Uses techniques and strategies that promote critical, creative and evaluative thinking skills.
• Strives to maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning environment; communicates effectively with staff and administration.
• Assists in communication and enforcement of federal and state laws, regulations and district policies.
• Works cooperatively with school administration, staff and special education.
• Respects students, parents, guardians and community; assists parents with questions and concerns.
• Maintains professional relationships and embraces diverse backgrounds.
• Assists with protection of students and property; participates in fire and emergency drills; assists in student management during dismissal, field trips.
• Maintains high personal integrity, confidentiality and strong work ethic; participates in district professional development.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

ADA & Minimum Qualifications to Perform Essential Job Functions

• Physical Requirements: Ability to operate various equipment and to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects up to 10 pounds; ability to stand, crouch, bend; ability to lift and change students.
• Data Conception: Ability to compare and judge data, people or things.
• Interpersonal Communication: Ability to give instructions and signal people to convey information.
• Language Ability: Ability to read, write, prepare reports and communicate effectively in professional terminology.
• Intelligence: Ability to apply logical or scientific thinking, interpret instructions and solve problems.
• Verbal Aptitude: Ability to record, deliver information and explain procedures.
• Numerical Aptitude: Ability to use mathematical formulas, perform calculations, apply algebra and geometry.
• Form/Spatial Aptitude: Ability to inspect items for proper dimensions.
• Motor Coordination: Ability to coordinate hands and eyes accurately with office equipment.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle various items and tools with eye/hand/foot coordination.
• Interpersonal: Ability to cope with people, adapt under stress and emergencies.
• Physical Communication: Ability to talk and hear, communicate via telephone.

Job Details

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: $55,395 to $97,700 Per Year

Job Categories:

• Special Education - Autism
• Special Education - General Special Education
• Special Education - Mild/Moderate Disabilities
• Special Education - Multiple Disabilities

Job Requirements

• At least 5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Janet Reid, Principal
• Szetela Early Childhood School
• Email: [e-mail]