Special Education TeacherAbout Lawrence Public SchoolsLawrence Public Schools is an urban district serving more than 13,000 students, the majority of whom are economically disadvantaged. More than 70% of our students speak a language other than English as their first language. We are committed to ensuring that our students, who have for too long been underserved, are provided with a high-quality, free, public education at their local, district schools. Known as the "Immigrant City," Lawrence has always been a multi-ethnic and multicultural gateway city since the late 1800s. The current population is largely Hispanic and has given a Latino slant to the local economy and culture. The level of energy and commitment in the city's neighborhoods exceeds that of most communities. Whether it is exemplified at the grassroots levels in the strong neighborhood associations or in the community policing program, people in the community have worked to create a safe place to live and work. About the Oliver SchoolThe Oliver School is a community of students, families, and educators committed to the social-emotional and academic growth of our 475 unique learners. We view students and their families from a holistic, strength-based lens, understanding there are many factors that impact learning. We believe that all students, families, and educators deserve a voice within our school community; we implement restorative justice practices to build relationships and solve challenges collaboratively.Our staff incorporate center-based learning through a multi-modal frame to promote language, independence, authentic engagement, executive functions, and socialization. We understand how critical access to grade level content is for all students, and work together to plan meaningful, instructional scaffolds that ensure students can engage in deep learning. At OES, adult learning is as important as student learning; educators engage in weekly/ bi-weekly coaching sessions to support their individual needs and the collective goals of the school. Educators feel empowered, connected and supported in their work. When entering the doors at OES, students and families feel their students are held to high expectations and are deeply cared for as individuals. Oliver Elementary Instructional Vision and GoalsSpecial Education Program InformationILP classrooms have been designed to provide evidence-based educational practices for students diagnosed withAutism Spectrum Disorder as well as significant Social Emotional Disabilities. The classrooms are resourced witheducators, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and BCBAs trained in the principles of Applied BehaviorAnalysis. Students assigned to these classrooms have access to general education settings, curriculum, andactivities while still receiving the individualized supports they need to be successful during the school day. Focusedon academic achievement, work habit behavior, and generalizing socially appropriate behaviors, the ILP also reinforces learning related to functional communication, increased independence, and behavioral and sensory self-regulation. Each student is assigned to a general education grade level homeroom, is included in grade level education curriculum content, integrated studies, and enrichment opportunities as appropriate. Families are included and welcomed in the school and classroom communities. The ILP program at the Oliver serves students in grades 3-5.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:-Teach, reinforce, remediate, and ensure mastery of academic content with individual students, small groups of students, and whole class(es) of students in accordance with their IEPs;-Evaluate students’ progress regularly and prepare measurable goals and objectives for IEP review meeting in accordance with state and federal regulations;-Consult with and assist principal(s) and education staff in modifying their classroom environments to meet the needs of all students in their classes;-Facilitate movement of special education students to the next less restrictive environment whenever possible;-Implement curricula and activities to meet academic standards and MA frameworks; -Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;-Use assessment data to refine curriculum and modify instructional practices;-Communicate effectively, consistently, and professionally with students, families, and colleagues;-Provide support, accommodations, and attention to all students;-Participate in curriculum design and professional development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions;-Ensure students are engaged and invested in the classroom, managing behavior and providing incentives;-Comply with school, district, and statewide policies and regulations;-Be accountable for students’ mastery of academic standards; andComplete other duties as assigned.Skills and Characteristics -A passionate belief in the student of Lawrence Public Schools;-Commitment to the academic and personal success of Lawrence Public Schools students and families;-Proven history of successful collaboration; -Ability to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced classroom/ school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges; and-Demonstrated capacity to create and maintain a positive learning environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected and utilized. -Ability to reflect on practice and an openness to coaching and feedback.QualificationsBilingual and/ or Bicultural strongly preferred; Valid Massachusetts License;Minimum of two years’ experience working with children preferred; andCurrent Authorization to work in the United States.Salary and benefits in accordance with the union contracts and LPS policy.