Special Education Associate Teacher

Young World Physical Education; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education seeks a Special Education Associate Teacher to assist in delivering high-quality instruction to students with learning disabilities. The candidate will work closely with special education teachers and staff to ensure all students receive improvements defined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Strong candidates will have a Bachelor's Degree and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the educational framework. The position is based at Prospect Hill Academy, which values anti-racism and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Understanding of state and federal special education regulations.
• Experience working with diverse students, including those from different backgrounds.
• Willingness to collaborate with staff and parents.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality instruction to students with learning disabilities.
• Monitor progress and implement accommodations per IEP.
• Offer social coaching to support student inclusiveness.

Skills

Instructional technology

Behavioral support

Meta-cognitive skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Prospect Hill Academy Charter School is a PK‑12 public charter school located in Somerville and Cambridge. We serve over 900 students from the greater Boston area, with a diverse student body of 87% BIPOC, 27% ELL, and 16% qualifying for special education services.

Who Are We?

Our mission is to prepare all students for success in college, foster responsible citizenship, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. We center the values of anti‑racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of instruction. Our culturally sustaining, inquiry‑based, and student‑centered practices are supported by professional development, instructional coaching, and mentorship.

What does a Special Education Associate Teacher do?

The Special Education Associate Teacher assists special education teachers in ensuring all students receive a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under IDEA.

Essential Responsibilities

• Under supervision of a special education teacher, provide high‑quality instruction to students with mild to moderate learning disabilities.
• Collect and analyze data related to students’ IEPs to monitor progress and inform instruction.
• Implement student accommodations and modifications per IEP with support of the special education teacher.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, general education colleagues, and multidisciplinary team members.
• Provide academic, behavioral, and social‑emotional support in the inclusive setting.
• Utilize instructional and assistive technology as needed.
• Provide explicit instruction in meta‑cognitive and executive‑functioning skills (e.g., time management, organization, self‑advocacy).
• Offer social coaching to support student access to recess, lunch, morning meetings, etc.
• Participate in professional development specific to the mission of PHA and responsive to student needs.
• Apply restorative practice principles to proactively and reactively support behavior.
• Adhere strictly to timelines for completing and submitting required paperwork and data collection.

Additional Responsibilities

• Fulfill non‑instructional duties as assigned by the building director (morning supervision, advisory, bus duty, recess duty, etc.).
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times (attendance, punctuality, dress, written and oral communication).
• Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Special Education and/or the Building Principal.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Understanding of state and federal special education regulations.
• Commitment to PHA’s educational mission and values.
• Experience working with diverse students, including those from diverse backgrounds and with various learning needs.
• Willingness to collaborate with dedicated staff and parent community.
• Flexibility, collaboration, and a growth mindset.
• Ability to multi‑task and perform instructional and administrative duties.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Prospect Hill Academy Charter School is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, immigration status, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability, as defined by state and federal laws.