Preschool Teacher

Chicopee Public Schools Szetela Early Childhood School
- Chicopee, Massachusetts

Title: Teacher
- Special Education

Type: Contract Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement

Salary: Per Unit A Collective Bargaining Agreement

Reports To: Building Principal

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Objective: The primary function of a special education teacher is to deliver the district curriculum in multiple ways that promotes student learning and achievement while accounting for the special and diverse needs of special education students.

• Responsible for the organization and structure of assigned classroom.
• Works collaboratively with teachers, instructors, coordinators, and administration to support student needs.
• Plans and supervises classroom schedule; develops and implements curriculum plans.
• Coordinates roles of paraprofessionals, cooperating teachers and other personnel assigned to the classroom.
• Facilitates the development of new skills with assigned paraprofessionals.
• Maintains open communication with case workers and interdisciplinary team members.
• Identifies needed materials and equipment pursuant to educational plans.
• Directly supervises paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom.
• Ensures education of each student consistent with IEP goals and objectives.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of each student’s functioning level and drafts IEP and progress notes.
• Completes and distributes progress notes detailing student progress toward IEP goals.
• Participates in meetings, IEP meetings, clinics and in‑services.
• Implements required activities/testing/reporting of MCAS as directed by state guidelines.
• Develops communication systems for each child with consultant guidance and maintains communication with parents/legal guardians.
• Regularly meets with consultants, ancillary personnel and nursing staff to stay informed of students’ medical status.
• Physically manages students’ educational and personal care needs, including lifting, positioning and changing.
• Cooperates with other departments to ensure smooth transitions when students move between departments.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Communicates with parents, medical, nursing, educational and other consultants.
• Maintains liaison with students, families, support personnel and agencies to ensure needs are continually met.
• Provides limited personal care to students when required.
• Works on one’s feet for extended periods.
• Counsels students when adjustment or academic problems arise and refers them to services.
• Other duties as assigned by the principal, administration or superintendent.
• Prepares class objectives and outlines aligned with district curriculum.
• Prepares, administers, corrects and analyzes student assessments; uses results to plan lessons.
• Instructs students on rules of conduct and expected behaviours.
• Manages class and other students during campus and off‑campus events.
• Regularly informs parents or guardians of students’ academic performance and behaviour.
• Maintains records, attendance and grades as required by school.
• Plans, organizes and delivers differentiated instruction in alignment with district curriculum.
• Provides timely feedback to students, parents and guardians on evaluations.
• Uses techniques and strategies that promote critical, creative and evaluative thinking skills.
• Strives to maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning environment; communicates effectively with staff and administration.
• Assists in communication and enforcement of federal and state laws, regulations and district policies.
• Works cooperatively with school administration, staff and special education.
• Respects students, parents, guardians and community; assists parents with questions and concerns.
• Maintains professional relationships and embraces diverse backgrounds.
• Assists with protection of students and property; participates in fire and emergency drills; assists in student management during dismissal, field trips.
• Maintains high personal integrity, confidentiality and strong work ethic; participates in district professional development.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college…