Special Education Teacher STRIVE Program

Young World Physical Education; Chelmsford (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Chelmsford Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Teacher for the STRIVE Program for the 2026-2027 school year at South Row Elementary School. This role provides elementary students with emotional disabilities specialized instruction based on their IEPs and focuses on social-emotional goals to access the curriculum.

You will collaborate with the BCBA and classroom staff, write and implement behavior plans, and maintain strong parent communication.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in special education (preferred).
• MA DESE Teaching License – K-8 Moderate Special Needs license required.
• Experience with emotional disabilities and behavior support plans.
• Attend IEP/clinical meetings to provide behavioral, social, and academic guidance.
• Experience with de-escalation/physical intervention strategies.
• Effective communication with all team members.
• Flexibility to meet identified student needs.
• Collaboration with BCBA based on IEP goals to implement Behavioral Support Plans.

Responsibilities

• Work with students with emotional disabilities.
• Design, supervise, and implement students’ IEP plans.
• Develop curriculum modifications and provide training to assure implementation in general education.
• Participate in IEP Team meetings.
• Write effective IEPs and monitor progress with data.
• Coordinate services with a team of professionals.
• Write quarterly progress reports for IEP goals.
• Schedule staff and students and manage support staff.
• Implement Behavioral Support Plans and social-emotional instruction.

Skills

Special education

IEP

Behavior support

Collaboration with BCBA

Executive functioning

Social skills

Data-based decision making

Communication with families

Education

Master’s degree in special education

MA DESE Teaching License – K-8 Moderate Special Needs

Job description

Special Education Teacher STRIVE Program

• Job ID: 5844831
• Application Deadline: Posted until filled
• Posted: Jul 21, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026
• Location: South Row Elementary School

Job Description

The Chelmsford Public Schools is now accepting applications for a Special Education Teacher for the STRIVE Program for the 2026-2027 School Year. This position provides elementary school students with emotional disabilities specialized instruction based on their individual Educational Plans. The primary responsibility is working with students with disabilities who require social and emotional support to access the curriculum. Services vary by student as determined by their IEPs and include instruction in the inclusion or a separate setting. The program focuses on academic and social-emotional needs of the students assigned to this teacher as liaison.

The role requires strong collaboration with the BCBA, general education teachers, and related service providers. Consistent communication with parents and outside providers is required. The educator will write and implement behavior support plans, provide direct instruction of social skills, emotional regulation strategies, and executive functioning skills, and manage support staff. The position also involves managing scheduling of staff and students, using evidence-based assessment and intervention practices within a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Experience working with students with emotional disabilities.
• Understand the aspects of schedule, routines, and transitions that promote development and learning.
• Design, supervise, and implement students’ IEP plans.
• Develop curriculum modifications and adaptations, and provide training to assure implementation in the general education classroom.
• Participate in IEP Team meetings.
• Write effective IEPs for students.
• Collect and analyze student data and monitor student progress.
• Work effectively with a team of professionals to coordinate services.
• Write quarterly progress reports for IEP goals that are data based on student performance.
• Undertake various diagnostic testing that identifies student capabilities and recognizes student progress on a timely basis.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Master’s degree in special education from an accredited college or university (preferred).
• MA DESE Teaching License – K-8 Moderate Special Needs license required.
• Demonstrate ability to approach difficult students in a creative and thoughtful manner.
• Attend and collaborate at IEP/clinical meetings to provide behavioral, social, and academic guidance.
• Experience and training in de-escalation/physical intervention strategies.
• Communicate effectively with all team members to produce effective results for the students.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to meet identified student needs.
• In collaboration with the BCBA and based on IEP goals formulate & implement Behavioral Support Plans.
• Support student movement towards competency & model pro‑social behavior.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Welcome to South Row Elementary

South Row is currently the smallest elementary school in Chelmsford with a student population of approximately 420 students in grades K-4. We have four sections at each grade level with class sizes ranging from 20 to 25. South Row prides itself on a very happy and friendly school culture where all adults collaborate to help our students learn and grow. “Whatever it Takes” has become our unofficial school motto!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chelmsford Public Schools 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.

Contact Information

• Amy Reese, Director of Student Support Services
• 230 North Road
• Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]