Self-Contained Middle School Teacher - Special Education

PECK MIDDLE; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Holyoke Public Schools seeks a highly qualified full-time Self-contained Teacher to provide specialized instruction for middle school students with significant cognitive disabilities, autism, and related social-emotional needs in a self-contained classroom.

This program emphasizes academic instruction, daily living skills, social development, communication, independent living skills, behavioral support, and inclusion readiness through evidence-based instructional methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of two years experience in a self-contained setting and/or working with individuals with significant emotional impairments.
• At least one year of experience supervising classroom staff, preferred.
• Proficiency in implementing least-restrictive PBIS and related strategies preferred.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changes in routines, schedules, or program structures while staying flexible and supportive of students and team goals.
• Familiarity with research-based assessments and curriculum tools preferred.
• Strong skills in data-driven instruction and curriculum planning.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Ability to build sustaining positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, diverse student populations, and urban school settings preferred.
• Proficiency in integrating technology and media into instruction.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual applicants (Spanish) strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Implement district-approved curriculum and SEL instructional strategies (PBIS, ACT, Explicit Instruction).
• Develop and deliver individualized and group lesson plans based on student needs.
• Conduct skills-based and academic assessments to determine goals and programming.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate IEPs in compliance with IDEA and FAPE regulations.
• Maintain accurate records, document student progress, and ensure confidentiality of special education files.
• Implement program-wide and student-specific behavior management strategies and BSPs to support SEL.
• Provide a safe and welcoming classroom for all students.
• Collaborate with general education staff, OT, PT, Speech/Language Pathologists, and other specialists.
• Train, supervise, and provide guidance to classroom-based support staff.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance specialized instructional skills.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees, and school initiatives as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by administration and coaches.

Skills

PBIS

Data-driven instruction

Classroom management

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Technology integration

Bilingual (Spanish)

Written and verbal communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Moderate Disabilities 5-12 license

Job description

Holyoke Public Schools seeks a highly qualified full-time Self-contained Teacher to provide specialized instruction for middle school students with significant cognitive disabilities, autism, and related social-emotional needs in a self-contained classroom.

This program emphasizes academic instruction, daily living skills, social development, communication, independent living skills, behavioral support, and inclusion readiness through evidence-based instructional methodologies.