Special Education Teacher Long Term Substitute

Job Description:  

The Public Schools of Brookline seeks a passionate and innovative Special Education Teacher to join our team and support students with diverse learning needs. This is a long-term substitute position to cover a maternity leave for the remainder of the school year. The special education teacher will serve as the liaison for students with a range of needs. Some students will receive a significant amount of instruction in small group settings, while others will spend most or all of their day in the general education setting. We are looking for a dynamic educator who is committed to creating inclusive learning environments, implementing evidence-based instructional practices, and fostering the academic and social-emotional growth of all students. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the academic and social-emotional growth of our students and provides an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and families to create inclusive learning environments ensuring that every student receives the support they need to reach their full potential.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, collaborating with students, families, and IEP team members to set meaningful academic, social, and behavioral goals and objectives.
• Providing direct instruction and support in academic subjects, executive functioning skills, and social-emotional learning, utilizing research-based instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, and assistive technologies to meet the diverse learning needs of students both in general education and special education settings.
• Collaborating with general education teachers, support staff, and related service providers to co-plan and co-teach lessons, differentiate instruction, and implement accommodations and modifications to support student access and success in the general education curriculum.
• Implementing behavior management strategies, positive reinforcement techniques, and proactive interventions to support students with behavioral challenges and promote a positive and safe learning environment.
• Monitoring student progress, collecting data, and using formative and summative assessments to measure student growth, adjust instruction, and make data-driven decisions to support student learning and achievement.
• Conducting academic testing for evaluations and presenting findings in IEP meetings.
• Writing and presenting progress reports.
• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, communicating regularly to provide updates on student progress, share strategies for supporting student success, and collaborate on interventions and supports.
• Fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported in their academic and social-emotional growth, promoting a sense of belonging and self-confidence.
• Actively participating in professional development opportunities, department meetings, and school-wide initiatives to continuously improve teaching practices and contribute to a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• Performing other duties as directed by school leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices in assessment, instruction, and behavior management
• Ability to differentiate instruction, modify curriculum, and implement accommodations and modifications to meet the diverse needs of students
• Strong classroom management skills
• Commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment that promotes the academic and social-emotional success of all students
• Strong communication, interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and establish positive relationships with students, colleagues, and families
• Reflective practitioner with a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the school community
• Massachusetts DESE special education teacher certification
• Bachelor’s degree
• SEI endorsement 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• Certification in a systematic phonemic approach to reading instruction
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities in a school setting

Reports To:

The long-term substitute Special Education Teacher will report to the school building principal.

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.

The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.