Teacher Special Educator, King School

Position: Teacher Special Educator

Martin Luther King, Jr. School/OSS

Martin Luther King, Jr. School Community:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School (MLK) is an innovative public school where every student learns Mandarin Chinese. The King School provides two options for pursuing Chinese language study. Students may pursue a sequential Two-Way Immersion option focused on the development of biliteracy in both English and Mandarin Chinese. Or, students may choose to balance daily Chinese lessons with other core content. For Grades JK – 2, classrooms follow two learning strands, which merge together for English and Chinese instruction for Grades 3 – 5.

We believe our programs prepare, enrich, and challenge our students for success as global citizens and scholars. Our students benefit from an expanded learning day (8 hours). This provides opportunities for increased enrichment and more time on core subject areas. The extended day offers teachers the flexibility to set the pace and intensity of learning based on student needs and interests. This time also enables us to offer enhanced enrichment that captures students’ curiosity.

The Office of Student Services:

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of support and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access  and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs. 

The Opportunity:

The Special Educator is responsible for providing specially designed instruction to students with disabilities in both general education settings and separate special education settings. The Special Educator will work collaboratively with general education, special education, and related services staff to ensure that students with disabilities achieve positive educational outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide direct special education services to students with disabilities 
• Provide explicit instruction and/or support in reading/literacy, math, written language, and social-emotional behavior 
• Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data  collection tools 
• Develop Individualized Education Programs for students based on various types of data specific  to the students' present levels of functioning and performance 
• Provide instruction to students using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches to  learning 
• Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff 
• Administer formal and informal assessments and analyze data to inform decisions regarding IEP  goals/objectives, learning approaches/content, and support 
• Accommodate and modify for student learning, and support the general education teacher with the  implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting 
• Any related duties as outlined by the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Director, and/or  Coordinator of the Office of Student Services with mild/moderate special needs 

Your Skill Set: 

As the incoming Special Educator, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following  characteristics and qualifications:

• Broad knowledge and experience of programs and services specific to students’ areas of  eligibility (i.e, autism, academic, behavior, learning, etc.) 
• Above-average skills in collaboration  
• Excellent skills in oral and written communication 
• Demonstrated ability in collaborating and supporting parents and families 
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve  
• Demonstrated understanding of inclusive educational practices, including various co-teaching  approaches 
• General knowledge of various formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and  skills 
• General knowledge of state and federal special education guidelines and requirements · Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in Special Education required, Master's  preferred, concentration in learning disabilities preferred  
• Massachusetts Certification of students with mild/moderate or severe special needs required 
• Experience teaching or student teaching in urban environments 
• Specialized training/certification in a foundational reading program such as Orton-Gillingham or  Wilson Reading 

How to Join Our Team: 

Apply online at www.cpsd.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.