Special Education (Substantially Separate) Teacher

Palmer-Public-Schools; Palmer (MA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmer Public Schools is seeking a Special Education (Substantially Separate) Teacher for Old Mill Pond Elementary School in Palmer, MA. The role involves direct instruction, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, and heavy focus on IEP development and progress reporting.

The qualified candidate holds MA licensure for Moderate Disabilities (5-12) or equivalent, with strong classroom management, co-teaching, and data-driven planning skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• MA Licensure as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12) required.
• Highly qualified in general curriculum.
• Experience with inclusive classrooms and co-teaching.
• Knowledge of MA Curriculum Frameworks and state frameworks into local curricula.

Responsibilities

• Implement explicit instruction across content areas for designated students in an inclusion setting.
• Collaborate with teachers and specialists to provide comprehensive services.
• Maintain IEPs, progress reports, and participate in Annual Reviews.
• Use positive behavior support to create a motivating instructional environment.
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction based on data.
• Coordinate schedules to meet IEP requirements.
• Attend meetings and participate in district initiatives.

Skills

Classroom management

Co-teaching

Instructional strategies

Differentiated instruction

Inclusion setting

Data-based decision making

Behavioral therapy techniques

Communication with families

Professional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

MA Licensure as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12)

Job description

Special Education (Substantially Separate) Teacher

Palmer Public Schools Old Mill Pond Elementary School - Palmer, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5919571

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 09, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

REPORTS TO: Building Principal/Director of Student Services

OVERVIEW:

Our Mission Statement: Palmer Public Schools will be a community that develops life-long learners by engaging in a rigorous curriculum which creates opportunities for academic and social/emotional growth of all students through a safe, supportive and collaborative environment.

Our Theory of Action: If we improve student, faculty and staff well-being and provide students with a challenging curriculum delivered through rigorous, engaging instruction with learning experiences intentionally designed to meet the needs of each student, then we will have prepared all students to be life-long learners who will contribute positively to society.

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria as needed, as well as assistive/educational technology in the classroom, for designated students receiving services in an inclusion setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred

Required: MA Licensure as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12)

Required: Highly qualified in general curriculum

Knowledge of MA Curriculum Frameworks and integration of state frameworks into local curricula and instruction for reading, written language, mathematics, & functional skills

Knowledge and training in structured reading methodology preferred

Educational background or experience with differentiated instruction in an inclusive setting, including proven skills in classroom management, co-teaching and instructional strategies

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi-sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria as needed, as well as assistive/educational technology in the classroom, for designated students receiving services in a self-contained setting.

Experience with behavioral therapeutic techniques with a diverse population preferred.

Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students.

Collaborate with grade level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services to assigned students.

Promote and assist in the implementation of research-based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students’ academic and social goals within the regular education environment and throughout the school.

Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.

Serve as contact person for designated caseload, including completion of all associated paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports, etc.), management of the Team process (conducting Annual Reviews, conferencing w/parents/Team members, etc.), and maintenance of communication between teachers, specialists, families, and any outside providers.

Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students.

Use a multi-disciplinary approach to gather various sources of information for progress monitoring in order to routinely implement data-based decision-making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning

Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.

Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units and projects.

Prepares for classes assigned, and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the teachers’ contract.

Strives by instruction and action to implement the district’s philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives and performance expectations.

Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.

Diagnoses the learning challenges of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.

Takes all necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Follows the Palmer Public Schools code of conduct for the classroom which is consistent with established administrative policies and develops rules of classroom behavior which are enforced in a fair and just manner.

Plans and supervises assignments for paraprofessionals, and makes written evaluations as required.

Maintains an expectation as a professional.

Takes an active part in the contractually-approved teacher evaluation process, contributing to a mutual agreement concerning the results of that evaluation.

Attends building and district meetings to promote communication and mutual decision making among the staff; said meetings to be held during the extended day.

Attend established traditional school sponsored activities (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House, programs, activities) agreed upon by the building administrator and the faculty consistent with the teachers’ contract.

Contribute to the decisions made by the district and building regarding budget, facilities, curriculum, and personal well-being.

Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

Provide supervision to assigned paraprofessionals.

Coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure compliance with IEP requirements and the efficient use of resources.

Consult with staff and administration on instructional/student issues as an active, participatory Team member.

Perform other duties as reasonably required.

The salary for this position is: according to contract

All positions are subject to qualifications, duties and rates of compensation presently in force, and subject to appropriate funding.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: upto $90,000 Per Year

Job Categories:

Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred Required: MA Licensure as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12) Required: Highly qualified in general curriculum Knowledge of MA Curriculum Frameworks and integration of state frameworks into local curricula and instruction for reading, written language, mathematics, & functional skills Knowledge and training in structured reading methodology preferred Educational background or experience with differentiated instruction in an inclusive setting, including proven skills in classroom management, co-teaching and instructional strategies Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Holly-Beth Riopel
• 4107 Main Street
• Palmer, Massachusetts 01069
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]