Special Education Teacher

Ipswich Public School District; Ipswich (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ipswich Public School District is seeking a compassionate Special Education Teacher for the Differentiated Learning Program at Paul F. Doyon Memorial School, serving students in grades K–2 with significant disabilities.

The role emphasizes individualized instruction, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, data-driven planning, and supports for communication, behavior, and functional skills, including AAC and assistive technology.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts licensure in Special Education (Moderate or Severe Disabilities preferred).
• Experience with elementary students with significant disabilities.
• Knowledge of AAC systems, visual schedules, sensory supports, and PBIS.
• Experience designing differentiated and individualized instruction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized instruction aligned with IEP goals and MA curriculum.
• Provide instruction in academic, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and functional skills.
• Use evidence-based strategies and differentiated learning to meet diverse needs.
• Support communication needs through AAC, visual supports, and assistive tech.
• Collect data to monitor progress and inform decisions.
• Maintain a safe, structured classroom promoting independence and engagement.
• Collaborate with related service providers, staff, families, and admins.
• Participate in IEP meetings and school problem-solving processes.
• Supervise paraprofessional staff in the program.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

IEP collaboration

AAC knowledge

ABA principles

Differentiated instruction

Team collaboration

Behavioral support

Data-driven instruction

Education

Massachusetts licensure in Special Education

Tools

AAC systems

Visual supports

Assistive technology

Job description

Special Education Teacher

Differentiated Learning Program (Grades K–2)Paul F. Doyon Memorial School

Position Overview

The Paul F. Doyon Memorial School is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and highly skilled Special Education Teacher to join our Differentiated Learning Program serving students in - presently grades Kindergarten through 2. This specialized, subseparate program supports students with significant disabilities who require individualized academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional support within a structured and nurturing educational environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with students with complex learning needs, including students who are minimally verbal or non-verbal, and will demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, and team-based collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals and Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.
• Provide specialized instruction in academic, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and functional skill areas.
• Utilize a variety of evidence-based instructional strategies and differentiated learning approaches to support diverse student needs.
• Support students with significant communication needs through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, visual supports, assistive technology, and other non-verbal communication strategies.
• Collect and analyze student performance data to monitor progress and inform instructional decisions.
• Create and maintain a structured, safe, and supportive classroom environment that promotes independence, engagement, and positive behavior.
• Collaborate closely with related service providers, paraprofessionals, classroom staff, administrators, and families to ensure consistent support across settings.
• Participate actively in IEP meetings, team consultations, and school-based problem-solving processes.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and support to paraprofessional staff assigned to the program.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with all special education regulations and district policies.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts licensure in Special Education (Moderate or Severe Disabilities preferred).
• Experience working with elementary-aged students with significant disabilities and complex learning profiles.
• Knowledge of AAC systems, visual schedules, sensory supports, and positive behavioral interventions.
• Experience designing and implementing differentiated and individualized instruction.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Utilize evidence-based instructional practices, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and strategies, to support student learning, communication, behavioral regulation, and skill acquisition across academic and functional settings.
• CPI, Safety Care, or related behavioral/safety training preferred.

Preferred Characteristics

• Patient, flexible, and student-centered approach.
• Strong understanding of child development and early elementary learning.
• Commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with students and families.
• Ability to celebrate student growth at all levels and create an affirming learning environment.

About the Program

The Differentiated Learning Program at Paul F. Doyon Memorial School provides intensive academic, communication, behavioral, and functional support for students with significant disabilities in grades K–2. The program emphasizes individualized instruction, communication development, sensory regulation, social-emotional learning, and collaborative partnerships with families and related service providers to help students reach their fullest potential.