Special Education Teacher, Academic Support Intensive Program (STEP Program), Salem Public Schools
This role works with students identified with neurological, mild intellectual, and/or communication disorders in inclusive or separate settings as dictated by their IEPs. The teacher collaborates with special and general education teams to provide a rigorous, accessible learning experience, manage a caseload, provide specialized instruction, ensure consistency of accommodations, transition students in/out of classes, participate in professional learning communities, communicate with parents, develop and implement IEPs, implement positive behavioral interventions, and work with paraprofessional staff.
Role Responsibilities
- Plan curriculum and provide specialized instruction that engages all students in sub‑separate and general education settings.
- Work with the classroom support team and assigned clinical staff to develop data‑taking mechanisms and analyze data to drive instruction and monitor student progress.
- Maintain consistent positive relationships with students and manage behavior by implementing positive management strategies.
- Work collaboratively across school settings, parents, and community agencies to improve student outcomes, develop solutions, plan curriculum, collect data, and implement IEPs.
- Demonstrate ability to write an effective IEP and generate progress reports using IEP software.
- Administer, interpret, and report findings from standardized evaluations.
- Present evidence of student progress toward goals and objectives in a professional manner during special education meetings.
- Evaluate students' abilities in basic academics and social development using formal and informal measures.
- Support and direct paraprofessionals and other staff in implementing classroom goals and IEP accommodations, modifications, and goals.
- Use innovative approaches and instructional strategies, including effective use of technology, to increase student access, learning, and confidence.
- Modify or adapt materials and lessons to meet specific needs as identified in IEPs.
- Embed social‑emotional learning and strategies into lesson planning.
- Additional duties as appropriate, assigned by the building Principal, Special Education Supervisor, or Executive Director of Special Education.
What You’ll Bring
- Hold a deep commitment to students and families and value diversity – embrace and affirm the backgrounds of all members of the community.
- Hold high expectations for yourself, students, and colleagues – see potential in all and provide necessary support.
- Build authentic, caring relationships with colleagues, students, and families – collaborate to make decisions in the best interest of students.
- Embrace feedback – reflect, learn from mistakes, and demonstrate growth mindset.
Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (required); Master’s Degree preferred
- Massachusetts teaching certification/licensure in Special Education (required)
- Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement (required within 1‑year of start date)
- Ability to meet the expectations of the Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice
- Ability to write effective IEPs with SMART goals, functional transition plans, and accommodations using district software
- Ability to administer, interpret, and report findings from standardized and informal evaluations and observational data collection
- Maintain professional competence through in‑service education activities provided by the district or self‑selected professional growth activities
- Proficiency with technology (blended learning, teacher/family communication suites, Google G‑Suite Apps, etc.) desirable
- Safety Care Training Certification (district will provide training)
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Bilingual candidates and candidates of color strongly encouraged to apply
- Second language (Spanish and/or Portuguese) proficiency a plus
- Current authorization to work in the United States
Work Year
Teachers in Salem Public Schools work a 185‑day school year (180 student contact days plus 5 professional development days).
Salary
Teacher salaries are determined by the Salem Teachers Union collective bargaining agreement (2024‑2027). Salary information can be found in Appendix A.
Benefits
The City of Salem offers Group Insurance Commission (GIC) benefits to all full‑time employees. Click here for more information about our health benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.