Special Education Teacher-Mild​/Moderate Disabilities

Job Description Special Education Teacher-Mild/Moderate Disabilities

School Year:

Bargaining Unit: APEA Unit A

The Amherst Regional Public School District (ARPS) is seeking a qualified, full-time Special Education Teacher specializing in mild/moderate disabilities for the  school year.

ARPS seeks candidates who are dually licensed in Special Education and Mathematics or who hold a Special Education license and are willing to obtain licensure in Mathematics.

Under the direction of building administrators, the Special Education Teacher develops and delivers specially designed instruction to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. The teacher evaluates student progress toward instructional objectives using data and serves as the IEP case manager for assigned students.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide direct academic instruction to individual students and small groups.
• Modify and adapt curricula and plan and implement appropriate lessons.
• Deliver research-based, specially designed instruction aligned with the goals and objectives in each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Assess and document student progress and determine when reinforcement or adjustments to instructional strategies are needed.
• Use a variety of evidence-based teaching methods and principles of learning to support students in meeting their IEP goals.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise annual IEPs for assigned students.
• Comply with all local, state, and federal procedural requirements and timelines.
• Coordinate the delivery of the special education services outlined in each student's IEP.
• Provide case management and maintain regular, effective communication with students' families.
• As assigned, provide instructional direction to paraprofessional support staff, including assigning activities and providing guidance and oversight.
• Collaborate and consult with educators, related-service providers, and other professionals regarding students' needs.
• As assigned, consult with general education teachers regarding classroom accommodations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior-support plans, and other interventions designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning, student engagement, and accountability.
• Apply effective classroom-management practices and positive behavior-support strategies.

Highly qualified candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong and effective written and oral communication skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships.
• Strong case-management and home-school communication skills.
• Highly effective executive-functioning skills, including organization, time management, independence, and the ability to meet required timelines.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate flexibility, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting students with mild/moderate disabilities and diverse or neurodivergent learning profiles.
• Experience with all aspects of the IEP process, including development, implementation, progress monitoring, and revision.
• Experience working with a diverse student population in a multicultural school community.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies, techniques, and interventions in reading, writing, mathematics, and executive functioning.
• Skill in planning and delivering direct instruction to individual students and small groups in general and special education settings.
• The ability to present complex concepts and materials in clear, accessible, and developmentally appropriate ways.

Bilingual candidates who are proficient in Spanish and English are encouraged to apply, although bilingual proficiency is not required.

Candidates must hold a valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education educator license in one of the following areas:

• Moderate Disabilities, Grades PreK-8 or Grades 5-12; or
• Severe Disabilities, All Levels.

Candidates should also hold-or be…