Preschool SE Teacher

Job Description

The Amherst Public School District is seeking a full‑time qualified Special Education Teacher for our Preschool Special Education Program which provides specialized programming and services to students with moderate to significant disabilities that require intensive programming and oversight throughout the school day. Students served in the program may have one or more disabilities in areas such as autism, cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, and/or health impairments.

Students may be educated with non-disabled peers in the same classroom.

The position includes providing direct instruction to students, typically ranging in ages from 3 to 5 years old in areas such as communication, adaptive living skills, social skills training and self‑regulation strategies, modifying and adapting curriculum, and developing, implementing and monitoring social and positive behavioral supports.

• Experience with research based methodologies including Applied Behavior Analysis and differential reinforcement
• Strong positive, interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with students, staff, administration and families
• Ability to work closely and collaboratively effectively with a team of teachers, service providers, and families; ability to work as a member of a professional learning community and multi‑disciplinary team
• Strong case management skills including regular home‑school communication and communication with outside agencies and service providers
• Strong ability to multitask and work within a fast paced environment focused on student learning, data collection, and measurable outcomes
• Highly effective executive function skills including being well organized, strong time management skills, and able to work independently to meet timelines
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills that promote and encourage collaboration with colleagues, parents, and administrators
• Strong ability to supervise and work collaboratively with paraprofessional staff including supporting the completion of evaluations with the program administrator
• Experience with intensive special needs, autism, and atypical learning profiles
• Ability to design and implement effective positive behavioral supports and plans
• Strong skills with de‑escalation and ability to use and supervise the use of DESE approved physical restraint
• Experience with all aspects of the IEP process including implementation, monitoring, and development
• Experience with providing individual and small group social skills instruction
• Experience with a diverse population of students within a multicultural school / community
• Experience with and commitment to inclusion/reverse inclusion that benefits students socially, emotionally and academically
• Experience with administering and interpreting formal (e.g., Battelle) and informal assessments, as well as strong interpretation and report writing skills
• Provide instruction in the core curricular areas including lesson planning, development, implementation and modification of materials

MA DESE Moderate Disabilities, PK‑8 License required