Special Education Teacher -Alternative High School

Valor; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Valor High School, part of Waltham Public Schools, is seeking a Special Education Teacher for its alternative high school program in Waltham, MA. The role focuses on delivering instruction to students with moderate disabilities using competency-based approaches in a structured, supportive environment.

The candidate must hold a Moderate Disabilities license (6-12) and demonstrate strong collaboration with staff, families, and community partners. Salary aligns with the WEA contract.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and standards.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
• Experience with inclusive classrooms and restorative practices.
• Strong communication with students, families and staff.
• Ability to administer and interpret student assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to special education students in a high school setting.
• Create a safe, supportive and standards-based classroom environment.
• Collaborate with general education teachers and support staff.
• Maintain required documentation and comply with district procedures.
• Engage families to support student progress and outcomes.

Skills

Differentiation

Classroom management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Massachusetts DESE license in Moderate Disabilities (6-12)

Job description

Special Education Teacher -Alternative High School

Special Education Teacher -Alternative High School Waltham Public Schools Valor - Waltham, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5851750
Application Deadline: Aug 07, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted: Jul 24, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Special Education Teacher - Moderate Disabilities License

About Valor High School: Valor High School is Waltham Public Schools' alternative high school, serving students who benefit from a personalized, competency-based educational program. Valor provides a relationship-centered learning environment for students who are overaged, under-credited, or seeking an alternative pathway to graduation. Through flexible instruction, restorative practices, and individualized supports, Valor prepares students for graduation, postsecondary education, careers, and lifelong success.

Position Summary: The purpose of this position is to have an individual who can provide instruction to special education students. The purpose of this position is to welcome an individual who can provide instruction to special education students such that each student will gain the values, knowledge and skills needed to attain his or her full potential.

Description of Duties: (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Management of the Learning Environment

• Utilizes effective and varied instructional techniques and procedures.
• Provides a standards-based, student centered environment in each class taught.
• Utilizes educational materials properly.
• Maintains a pleasant, neat and well-organized classroom.
• Performs scheduled duties promptly.
• Fulfills paperwork responsibilities promptly.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service educational activities.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the content area.
• Understands and implements the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Teacher/Pupil/Parent Interaction

• Assumes responsibility for providing a safe, supportive learning environment for every student.
• Relates well to students of varied proficiency.
• Provides and promotes opportunities for students to develop a wholesome self-concept.
• Guides students toward self-control.
• Provides effective student structure in the total school setting.
• Accepts responsibility for the well-being of each assigned student.
• Remains approachable to students and parents, as needed.
• Contributes to a positive and effective working relationship between school and home.

Professional and Personal Qualities

• Adheres to the academic, ethical and social standards of the profession.
• Speaks and writes clearly, understandably and appropriately.
• Dresses appropriately and is well-groomed.
• Accepts constructive criticism.
• Applies suggestions for improvement.
• Uses confidential information for professional purposes only.
• Is equitable and sensitive and responsive to all learners.
• Realizes that good attendance is necessary for effective learning.
• Participates in ongoing professional development, including all district sponsored initiatives.
• Aligns instruction to the Massachusetts frameworks and to departmental syllabi.

Teacher/Staff Relations

• Shows evidence of helping to promote positive working relationships with school personnel.
• Demonstrates willingness to share and exchange ideas, skills, techniques and materials.
• Works effectively with administrative personnel.
• Accepts and implements school and district decisions.
• Fulfills assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities.
• Complies with school department procedures and school committee policies.

Supervision: Supervision Scope: Supervises students and evaluates their achievement.

Supervision Given and Received: Supervised by principal and/or director.

Qualifications: Qualified applicants must forward cover letter, resume, transcripts, proof of MA DESE license and SEI Endorsement as well as three current letters of recommendation Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Education in Moderate Disabilities, 6-12.
• Demonstrated subject matter competence, highly qualified, in the area of licensure.
• This position is in a school with a high percentage of English Language Learners. Bilingual and/or bi-cultural applicants encouraged to apply.

Knowledge Required:

• Currency in the curriculum including knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Effective planning and assessment of curriculum and instruction.
• Effective classroom management.
• Effective instruction in a standards-based classroom.
• Promotion of high standards and expectations for student proficiency.
• Promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity.
• Effective integration of technology across the curriculum.
• Knowledge of special education paperwork and procedures.
• Fulfillment of professional responsibilities.

Abilities Required:

• Ability to deliver effective instruction.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet student needs.
• Ability to administer required student testing and assessments.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.

Skills Required:

• Effective classroom management skills.
• Excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Skills in the specific subject matter of instruction.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience working with overaged, under-credited, or alternative high school students.
• Familiarity with competency-based education and personalized learning.
• Demonstrated ability to co-plan and co-teach with general education teachers in an inclusive setting.
• Knowledge of restorative practices, trauma-informed instruction, and social-emotional learning.
• Experience differentiating instruction while maintaining high expectations for all learners.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with multidisciplinary teams and families.
• Additional DESE licensure in ESL or other subject area

Salary: As per the WEA contract.

Non-Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Email: [e-mail]

Map

The content you submit, offer, contribute, attach, post, or display (each a “Submission”) will be viewed by other users of the service who may or may not be accurately representing who they are or who they represent. Do not include any sensitive data in your submissions. Any submission or any use or reliance on any content or materials posted via the service or obtained by you through the use of the service is at your own risk. “Sensitive data” for purposes of this section means social security or other government-issued identification numbers, medical or health information, account security information, individual financial account information, credit/debit/gift or other payment card information, account passwords, individual credit and income information or any other sensitive personal data as defined under applicable laws.