Special Education Teacher; RISE Program Grade K-2), Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, Salem

Special Education Teacher (RISE Program Grade K-2)

Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY ]

Job : 5689933

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: May 04, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Salem Public Schools is an urban district enrolling nearly 4,000 students across 10 schools with a vision to ensure all students are locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world.

As a collaborative member of the Special Education team, you will teach, evaluate, and implement programming for students in the general education setting who have a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder. You will have a working knowledge of effective instructional practices, ABA, and behavior intervention techniques, and work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and consultants. You will manage a fluid caseload, maintain flexibility with scheduling, communicate consistently with parents, supervise paraprofessionals, plan transition activities, and fulfill additional professional obligations as determined by the District and site.

• Plan curriculum and provide specialized instruction that allows all students to successfully engage in developmentally appropriate and standards‑based instruction
• Work collaboratively across school settings, including co‑teaching and common planning with therapists and support staff
• Use innovative instructional strategies, including technologies and ABA techniques, to increase student access, learning, independence, and confidence
• Modify and adapt materials and lessons to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities as identified in the IEPs
• Analyze data to drive instruction and improve student access and performance
• Develop IEPs with SMART goals and logical accommodations using formal and informal data
• Report on student progress with IEP goals at scheduled intervals throughout the school year
• Maintain consistent communication with students, staff, families, and outside agencies
• Collaborate with school personnel, parents, and agencies to improve student outcomes and implement effective IEPs, referrals, and transition plans
• Evaluate students' abilities in basic academics and social development
• Provide instruction that targets self‑care, including personal hygiene, cooking and other ADL skills
• Help manage students’ social behavior and academic habits of learning
• Proctor MCAS and/or assist with MCAS ALT development and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal, special education administrator, and/or Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services

• Hold a deep commitment to students and families, value diversity, and build relationships
• Hold high expectations for students, colleagues, and yourself, demonstrating continuous improvement
• Build authentic, caring relationships among colleagues, students, and families
• Embrace feedback and model a growth mindset

• Bachelor’s Degree (required);
  Master’s Degree preferred
• Massachusetts teaching certification in Special Education Moderate Disabilities (required)
• Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement within 1 year of start date (required)
• Meet Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice
• Write effective IEPs with SMART goals and transition plans
• Administer, interpret, and report findings from standardized and informal evaluations
• Maintain professional competence through in‑service and self‑selected professional growth activities
• Safety Care Training certification (district will provide training)
• Minimum 2 years teaching experience, preferably in an urban public or charter school setting
• Proven track record of raising student achievement in an urban/turnaround environment
• Proficiency with technology (blended learning, teacher‑family communication suites, Google G‑Suite Apps)
• Dual certification a plus
• Second language (Spanish and/or Portuguese) proficiency a plus
• Bilingual candidates and candidates of color strongly encouraged
• Current authorization to work in the United States

Teachers work a 185‑day school…