Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Pay Rate: $28.33/hr

New Hire Sign-on Bonus: $2,500

The Special Education Teacher at the Seven Hills Pediatric Center is responsible for providing special education to students with severe or intensive special needs in a nurturing and structured classroom environment. This role includes developing and implementing individualized curriculum and educational plans, coordinating the activities of classroom staff and ancillary personnel, and fostering effective communication with interdisciplinary team members, including nursing staff, social workers, and parents or legal guardians. The teacher is responsible for the overall organization and structure of the classroom, ensuring that each student's educational, medical, and personal care needs are met in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs by providing them with individualized, compassionate educational support in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.

Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Implementation:

• Develop and implement a curriculum tailored to meet the specific needs of students with severe/intensive special needs.
• Prepare weekly educational plans that align with each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Conduct ongoing assessments to track each student's academic progress and adjust teaching methods and plans as needed.

Classroom and Schedule Management:

• Plan and oversee the daily classroom schedule, ensuring that all educational, personal care, and medical needs are met.
• Supervise and evaluate teacher assistants, cooperating teachers, and other classroom personnel, ensuring effective delivery of services.
• Coordinate the schedules of all ancillary personnel, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and nursing staff, to support student needs.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Maintain regular communication with nursing staff to ensure a sound understanding of students' medical conditions and changing health status.
• Foster open communication with social workers, parents, guardians, and other team members regarding students' educational progress and needs.
• Actively participate in team meetings, IEP/ISP meetings, clinics, and in-services, providing input and collaborating on strategies for student success.

Student Supervision and Support:

• Directly supervise the educational and personal care needs of students, including lifting, positioning, and other physical management as necessary.
• Ensure the implementation of individualized goals outlined in each student's IEP/ISP.
• Support students' social and emotional development, encouraging positive behavior and self-advocacy.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Complete and distribute progress notes that detail each student's progress toward meeting IEP goals, including distribution to parents/legal guardians, LEAs, and other relevant team members.
• Assist in drafting IEPs, ISP updates, MDS, and quarterly progress reports.
• Ensure timely completion of all required activities, testing, and reporting for state assessments (MCAS).

Staff Training and Development:

• Model and teach new skills to teacher assistants and other classroom staff to enhance their effectiveness in supporting students.
• Plan and participate in in-services, staff development programs, and educational workshops to continuously improve the team's knowledge and skills.
• Promote a cooperative and flexible environment to ensure smooth transitions between departments and services for students.

Materials and Equipment Management:

• Identify, order, and maintain educational materials and equipment, ensuring that all classroom tools are in good working condition.
• Oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of the classroom, including specialized areas such as the cooking room and storage spaces.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in departmental committees as assigned or volunteered.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless transitions for students moving between services.
• Develop communication systems for students, utilizing consultants as needed to enhance each student's ability to communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Current Massachusetts certification or provisional certification in Severe/Intensive Special Needs, or certification from another state with the ability to transfer to Massachusetts.
• Certification in a related field, with active enrollment in a program leading to Massachusetts certification in Severe/Intensive Special Needs.
• Experience working with students with severe/intensive special needs in a school or clinical setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of IEP/ISP development, educational strategies, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Ability to perform physical management tasks as needed, including lifting and positioning students.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams of professionals.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing nurturing and supportive care to students.