Elementary Special Education Teacher: Autism Classroom

Elementary Special Education Teacher:
Autism Specific Classroom*

Southbridge Public Schools Charlton Street School - Southbridge, Massachusetts.

Starting Date: Immediately

Background on Southbridge Public Schools: Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2,200 students in six schools. The district is presently undergoing extensive turnaround at all levels, with the assistance of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This creates unique opportunities for teachers and students. One example is a recently announced, long‑term partnership with the University of Connecticut to develop Southbridge Schools as a national demonstration site for successful implementation of PBIS strategies.

Additionally, our district is the recipient of a number of significant grants that are allowing us to creatively redesign secondary school curriculum enhancements, improve culture and climate, and expand after‑school opportunities for students. If you feel strongly about improving the educational experience for students and have a commitment to social justice, Southbridge Public Schools welcomes you.

More information about the district’s turnaround efforts can be found here.

POSITION: Special Education Teacher

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

Implement and adapt direct/explicit academic and specially designed instruction across content areas using multi‑sensory teaching, differentiated strategies, including use of modified content, methodology, and performance criteria as needed, as well as assistive/educational technology in the classroom, for designated students receiving services in an inclusion setting.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students.
• Collaborate with grade‑level classroom teachers, other special education teachers, and specialists to provide comprehensive and effective services to assigned students.
• Promote and assist in the implementation of research‑based strategies to ensure the transition and generalization of students’ academic and social goals within the regular education environment and throughout the school.
• Assesses student progress toward objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g., behavioral, motor development, communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Serve as contact person for designated caseload, including completion of all associated paperwork (monitoring student performance, writing IEPs/progress reports, etc.), management of the Team process (conducting annual reviews, conferencing with parents/Team members, etc.), and maintenance of communication between teachers, specialists, families, and outside providers.
• Utilize appropriate classroom management strategies, including a comprehensive positive behavior intervention system, to ensure a successful and motivating instructional environment within the classroom and throughout the school for designated students.
• Use a multidisciplinary approach to gather various sources of information for progress monitoring in order to routinely implement data‑based decision‑making practices to guide instruction and lesson planning.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of established district curriculum goals, establishes and communicates clear objectives to the students for all lessons, units, and projects.
• Prepares for classes assigned, and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor as required by the…