Special Education Teacher for Transitions Academy for Students ages 18-22

DUTIES:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities in the classroom setting and community (school and outside community as allowed) that focus on education/career training, employment, independent living, and community participation.
• Plan, modify, and differentiate instruction.
• Be responsible for providing education that is consistent with IEP goals and objectives as well as a vision for transition to adult living and post-secondary goals.
• Develop relationships and share information with students, parents, and district staff regarding student needs, progress, and resources.
• Participate in the IEP process as mandated by IDEA and 603 CMR and fulfill assigned district responsibilities.
• Work with the Evaluation Team Leader who facilitates the IEP process.
• Manage student behavior with appropriate behavior management strategies for students with Intellectual Disabilities and/or students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including as needed providing a sensory diet, maintaining routines and procedures, providing positive behavioral interventions, and as needed assisting in the completion of functional behavior assessments and subsequent behavior intervention plans.
• Participate in required professional development and offerings that build necessary and new skills.
• Actively participate in the teacher evaluation process, including providing all required documentation.
• Use resources, hands on materials, and technology to enhance instruction.
• Supervise and coordinate the roles of paraprofessionals and complete related paperwork as assigned.
• Provide embedded training to paraprofessionals through modelling and use of resources and technology.
• Be responsible for all reporting requirements including attendance.
• Collaborate with district-wide transition staff, specialists, and state agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Highly qualified with required competency in the content area; and

•  Appropriate content/ program area educator license (Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities) and grade level (5-12) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;  and
•  Bachelor’s Degree with appropriate license; or
• Master’s Degree with appropriate content area license preferred and/or expected within 5 years.
• Transition Specialist Endorsement preferred.
• Previous experience in working with secondary students with disabilities preferred.
• Willingness and ability to use technology to enhance student instructional activities.
• Ability to manage classroom staff and establish routines and procedures.
• Ability to modify curriculum and differentiate student learning experiences.

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team!  Come work for us!" 

About our District 

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff.  We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.  

Join a team that Empowers Educators 

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff.  We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.  

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com. 

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness. 

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT 

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. 

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION 

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. 

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both. 

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.   

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination 

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com 

Salary : $54,541 - $88,259