Special Education Teacher - Mod Disabilities (LTS until EOY)

Overview of Fitchburg Public Schools

Fitchburg Public Schools is a small urban district of 5600 students. Located only 50 miles from Boston and 25 miles from Worcester, Fitchburg is situated in the North Central Massachusetts region of the state. As a Gateway City, Fitchburg continues its legacy of welcoming newcomers and Fitchburg Public Schools continues its mission of preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Fitchburg Public Schools has partnerships with Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, and Fitchburg Art Museum.

Fitchburg Public Schools believes deeply in the potential for every student to succeed and works tirelessly each day to create an anti-racist school environment that is built around high expectations, an inclusive and welcoming culture, and an expectation of excellence for all. Fitchburg's goal is to increase personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student. Fitchburg Public Schools

FPS is currently working with DESE’s Statewide System of Support to plan and implement turnaround strategies at four of its schools.

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for delivering a high-quality instructional experience consistent with the curriculum standards of the school district.

Essential duties for all faculty members include classroom instruction; conferences with students, parents, and colleagues; active participation in the work of the department on curriculum development, activities, and pedagogy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in one of these area(s): 
• Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities PreK–8*; 5–12*
• *dependent on the grade level assignment
• SEI Endorsement
• Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children in order to effectively problem solve
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Special Education Teacher will:

• Provide learning experiences in the assigned subject area as guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment that is conducive to student learning;
• Write student IEP progress reports and goals;
• Assess students as required;
• Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate opportunities for learning using response to intervention (RTI) framework;
• Meet and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum standards and establishes clear objectives which reflect these standards for all lessons, units, and projects;
• Implements the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives;
• Document the progress and/or concerns of students and seeks the assistance of additional district specialists as required;
• Monitor and supervise students, through effective classroom management;
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement;
• Be responsible for using innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn;
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues;
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy;
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification;
• Write student IEP progress reports and goals;
• Administer formal and informal assessments as required;
• Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate opportunities for learning using response to intervention (RTI) framework;
• Meet and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated;
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum standards and establishes clear objectives which reflect these standards for all lessons, units, and projects;
• Implements the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives;
• Document the learning problems of students and seeks the assistance of district specialists as required;
• Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness;
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students;
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and\or English Learners;
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building Principal/SPSA 

Reports to: Principal/SPSA

Evaluated by: Principal/SPSA

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits. 

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-DiscriminationThe School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us