Special Ed Teacher

Job Description

1. Job Details

Headline: Elementary Special Education Teacher - New & Early-Career Educators Welcome

Location: Lancaster, MA

Salary Range: $35.00 - $45.00 / hour

Employment Type: Full-Time Contract - Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week, year-round

2. Description

JOIN OUR TEAM

Are you a newly licensed or recently credentialed Special Education Teacher ready to put your training into practice in a meaningful, supportive environment? Are you looking for a role where your compassion, creativity, and commitment to students are genuinely valued from day one? Arbor Associates wants to hear from you.

At Arbor Associates, we are more than a staffing agency - we are deeply committed to the communities we serve. For nearly 40 years, we've been a trusted leader across Southern New England, connecting dedicated education professionals with programs where their work truly matters.

We are seeking an Elementary Special Education Teacher for a full-time contract placement at a therapeutic private special education day school in Lancaster, MA. This school serves students with diverse social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, and learning needs - and it is one of the most rewarding places a new special educator can begin their career. Here's what makes this opportunity stand out:

• Year-round placement - consistent work and income, no summer gap
• Small, therapeutic setting - you'll make a real difference with a focused caseload
• Multi-disciplinary team - you won't navigate challenges alone; clinical and educational staff work side by side
• Structured, supportive environment - ideal for a new educator who wants strong scaffolding as they grow
• A school that builds on student strengths - you'll see progress, and it will matter

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF YOU ARE...

A compassionate, collaborative, and resourceful educator who recently earned your Massachusetts teaching certification and is ready to launch your career in special education. You understand - or are eager to learn - trauma-responsive practices, and you approach every student with unconditional positive regard. You want to teach in a setting that challenges you academically, supports you professionally, and gives you the opportunity to see the direct impact of your work every day.

You don't need years of experience. You need a genuine commitment to students, an openness to learning and reflecting alongside colleagues, and the resilience to thrive in a dynamic, human-centered environment. If that's you - we encourage you to apply.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with students and foster a creative, nurturing, and structured classroom community.
• Plan and deliver engaging lessons aligned with grade-level academic standards and the Massachusetts DESE Curriculum Frameworks.
• Support students academically, socially, and emotionally - preparing them for transitions to post-secondary education, vocational opportunities, or return to their local school district.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized education plans (IEPs), tailoring instruction to each student's unique strengths and challenges.
• Collaborate daily with a multi-disciplinary team including clinicians, teachers, and school leaders to support whole-student success.
• Model and teach self-discipline, respectful behavior, and positive community membership.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher assistants across multiple settings.
• Contribute to program safety and continuity by assuming additional responsibilities as needed.

Job Requirements

3. Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Licensure / Certification: Massachusetts DESE teaching certification in Moderate Disabilities K-8 required. Candidates who have recently completed their licensure program or are in the final stages of obtaining their license are encouraged to apply.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field required. Master's degree a plus.

Experience: Prior classroom, student teaching, or practicum experience in a special education setting preferred. New graduates with strong fieldwork experience are welcome - what matters most is your commitment, your flexibility, and your genuine care for students.

Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to think creatively, remain flexible, and manage challenging situations with calm and professionalism. Cultural competence to work with students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse abilities. Comfort working with or learning common classroom technology.

Other Requirements: Must successfully complete a background check and all screening required by the school prior to placement.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING WITH ARBOR ASSOCIATES

• Nearly 40 Years of Experience - we know how to support our staff and help them succeed.
• Competitive Pay - $30.00-$40.00/hour based on licensure and experience.
• Benefits - eligible employees receive access to health, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Year-Round Placement - stable, consistent work with no summer income gap.
• 24/7 Availability - our team is on call around the clock to support you.
• Career Pathing - training, certifications, and opportunities for advancement in special education.
• Tailored Preparation - we make sure you're set up and ready before your first day in the classroom.
• Transparent Communication - prompt, clear, and honest at every step.
• Supportive, Respectful Culture - at Arbor, we're more than coworkers; we're a team.
• Dedicated Support - a dedicated point of contact at every stage of your placement.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

You'll be placed at a therapeutic private special education day school in Lancaster, MA that is deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and the belief that every student - regardless of background, identity, or ability - deserves to be Connected, Capable, and Healthy. The school brings together educators, clinicians, and support staff in a fully integrated team approach, creating an environment where new professionals are supported, challenged, and valued.

The school serves students with diverse social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, and learning needs, and its mission is rooted in helping each student reach meaningful milestones - whether that's graduation, post-secondary education, vocational readiness, or a successful return to their local district.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Arbor Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Arbor Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. All interested applicants must be over the age of 18, authorized to work in the United States, and pass a stringent background check, including Criminal History, Sexual Offender Registry, and Department of Children and Families (DCF- MA)/Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF-RI).

By submitting this application, you are giving your permission to Arbor Associates to send e-mail and/or SMS texts about career-related opportunities. Message & Data rates may apply. Reply STOP to quit, HELP for help. Message frequency varies. Our privacy policy:

Apply Today!
Be part of a compassionate and dynamic team that is making a real difference. Apply now to take the next step in your career and help shape the future of children with developmental disabilities.

#ABR2

Meet Your Recruiter

Ben Shore


About Lancaster, MA

Ready to embark on a career in the picturesque town of Lancaster, Massachusetts? Nestled in the heart of New England, this charming area offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city opportunities. With easy access to historic landmarks like the Lancaster Town Green and the Thayer Memorial Library, as well as the bustling arts scene at the Lancaster Center for the Arts, job seekers can find inspiration at every corner. Indulge in the local cuisine at popular spots like the Old Mill Restaurant, and catch a show at the thriving Strand Theatre. With plenty of parks and outdoor recreation areas like the Nashua River Rail Trail, Lancaster provides the ideal backdrop for work-life balance. Discover your next career move in this vibrant community - explore our job listings today!