K-2 Life Skills Teacher

Special Education Teacher – Life Skills (K-2)

Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

The Life Skills Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing specialized instruction to students with significant cognitive and adaptive functioning needs in a highly structured, supportive classroom environment. The teacher will implement individualized educational programming that promotes academic growth, independence, communication, daily living skills, social-emotional development, health awareness, and community participation. Instruction will be aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and adapted to meet each student's unique learning needs.

• Develop and implement individualized educational programs (IEPs) aligned with student needs and Massachusetts state standards.
• Provide direct instruction in functional academics, communication, social-emotional learning, daily living skills, and self-advocacy.
• Adapt curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments to ensure meaningful student access and participation.
• Utilize data‑driven decision‑making to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Collaborate with related service providers, paraprofessionals, families, and general education staff to support student success.
• Lead classroom paraprofessionals and support staff.
• Create and maintain a structured, positive, and safe learning environment.
• Implement behavior support plans and proactive classroom management strategies.
• Facilitate inclusion opportunities and support students in general education settings as appropriate.
• Participate in IEP Team meetings, evaluations, progress reporting, and required special education documentation.
• Promote student independence and community participation through functional and experiential learning opportunities.

• Massachusetts DESE Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities (PreK–8) license.
• SEI Endorsement.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Salary: Per Unit A Contract – $53,939 – $101,108

Work Year: 184 days

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Special Education >
Mild/Moderate Disabilities

West Springfield Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, genetic information, neurodiversity, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other class protected by state, federal, or local laws. Equal Opportunity applies to all areas of employment including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

• Suzanne Tetrault
• 784 Amostwon Road
• West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089
• Phone: 413‑263‑3314
• Email: stetrault