Teacher Special Educator, One-year appointment, DVUS

Young World Physical Education; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a full-time Special Educator for a one-year appointment in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role includes providing specialized instruction to students with disabilities, developing Individualized Education Programs, and ensuring collaborative educational outcomes. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, demonstrate excellent collaboration and communication skills, and possess Massachusetts certification for special needs. The opportunity promotes diversity and encourages authentic representation in applicants.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of programs for students with disabilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in urban school settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct special education services to students.
• Develop Individualized Education Programs for students.
• Collaborate with families and staff on student education.

Skills

Collaboration skills

Oral and written communication skills

Understanding of inclusive educational practices

Knowledge of formal and informal assessments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education

Massachusetts certification for special needs

Tools

IEP goals and objectives monitoring

Job description

Teacher Special Educator, One-year appointment, DVUS

Cambridge Public Schools Office of Student Services - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Starting Date: Sep 1, 2026

Job Description

Position: Teacher Special Educator, one-year appointment. Darby Vassall Lane Upper School / OSS.

Darby Vassall Lane Upper School is a vibrant middle school (grades 6-8) part of Cambridge Public Schools. We are committed to collaboration, creating learning environments that enable all students to learn at high levels, and to challenge injustices and promote inquiry, reflection, critical thinking, creative expression, resilience, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.

The Office of Student Services (OSS) provides supports and services to students in CPS to ensure equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.

Opportunity: In partnership with OSS, Darby Vassall Lane Upper School seeks a Special Education Teacher for the 26-27 school year. The Special Educator is responsible for providing specially designed instruction to students with disabilities in both general education and separate settings and will work collaboratively with all staff to ensure successful educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct special education services to students with disabilities.
• Provide explicit instruction and/or support in reading/literacy, math, written language, and social‑emotional behavior.
• Progress‑monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using assessments and data‑collection tools.
• Develop Individualized Education Programs based on data specific to students’ present levels of functioning and performance.
• Provide instruction using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches to learning.
• Collaborate with general education, special education, related services, and staff.
• Administer formal and informal assessments and analyze data to inform decisions regarding IEP goals/objectives and learning approaches.
• Accommodate and modify for student learning and assist the general education teacher with appropriate accommodations in the general education setting.
• Perform any related duties as outlined by the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Director, and/or Coordinator of OSS.
• Ensure implementation of each student’s Individualized Education Plan.
• Collaborate with families, community supports/services, related service staff, and general educators.
• Ensure effective instruction and support for students with disabilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Your Skill Set

As the incoming Special Educator, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Broad knowledge and experience of programs and services specific to students’ eligibility areas (e.g., autism, academic, behavioral, learning).
• Broad knowledge of state eligibility requirements.
• Above‑average collaboration skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and support parents and families.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability.
• Understanding of inclusive educational practices and co‑teaching approaches.
• General knowledge of formal and informal assessments for monitoring student progress and skills.
• General knowledge of state and federal special education guidelines and requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education required; Master’s preferred, concentration in learning disabilities preferred.
• Massachusetts certification for students with mild/moderate special needs, PreK‑8 or 5‑12 required.
• Experience teaching or student‑teaching in an urban school setting.
• Specialized training or certification in a foundational reading program such as Orton‑Gillingham or Wilson Reading.

How to Join Our Team

Apply online at www.cpsd.us. Please upload a resume and a thoughtful cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the position qualifications and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced. We encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities.

Position Type

Full‑Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Cambridge Public Schools
• 135 Berkshire Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141
• Email: [e-mail]