Special Education Teachers

Special Education Teacher

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

The Michael

E. Smith Middle School seeks two Special Education Teachers to provide individualized support to students, create and implement programs that foster learning and growth, and collaborate with families and colleagues to promote academic success.

• Provide each student with tailored counseling and learning experiences that enable progression toward established educational goals.
• Create and implement programs favorable to learning and student growth.

• Design rigorous, standards‑based units with measurable outcomes, integrating knowledge of child development and student learning.
• Use informal and formal assessment methods to measure student learning, growth, and understanding, developing differentiated learning experiences.
• Analyze assessment data, draw conclusions, and share findings appropriately.

• Employ instructional practices that reflect high expectations, engage all students, and personalize instruction to diverse learning styles and readiness levels.
• Create a safe, collaborative learning environment that motivates risk‑taking, self‑advocacy, and ownership of learning.
• Respect students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges.
• Implement lessons with clear, high expectations and accessibility for all learners.

• Invite families to become active participants in the classroom and school community.
• Collaborate with families to develop strategies supporting learning at home and school.
• Maintain regular, culturally proficient communication with families regarding learning and performance.

• Reflect on and improve teaching practice, using informal meetings and data analysis to set goals and develop new approaches.
• Pursue professional development to enhance practice or prepare for instructional and leadership roles.
• Collaborate with colleagues on a wide range of tasks.
• Participate in school‑wide decision‑making and improvement planning.
• Share responsibility for all students’ performance.
• Maintain ethical and reliable conduct, meeting routine responsibilities consistently.

Moderate walking, standing, sitting, stair climbing, and step stool use. Moderate physical exertion; frequent lifting of up to 20 pounds, occasionally more. Fine motor manipulation associated with computer use.

Primarily indoors; occasional outdoor duties. Exposure to toners and cleaning fluids.

• Certification or eligibility in appropriate grade level and field.
• Current state certifications or licenses as required.
• Alternative qualifications as approved by the Superintendent.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

• Beth Cooke, Director of Student Services
• 116 Main Street
• South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075
• Phone: 413‑538‑5072
• Email: