25-26 School Building Substitute - Special Education

Position Summary: 

The Building Substitute for Special Education supports the Somerville High School Special Education Department by providing continuity of instruction and services when special education teachers are absent. This role works exclusively within special education classrooms, implementing lesson plans, supporting students with diverse learning needs, and maintaining a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment. The substitute collaborates with special education staff and follows IEPs, behavior plans, and established classroom procedures to ensure students receive appropriate instruction and support. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

The responsibilities listed below reflect the primary duties of the position; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the role. Additional responsibilities that are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position may be assigned as needed to meet program, legal, or operational needs.

• Foster a safe and positive environment for all students and staff in accordance with school policies;
• Ensure the adequate supervision to assure health, welfare, and safety of all students;
• Maintain classroom control and take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Report to office upon arrival and departure at school;
• Review lesson plans, materials, and/or instructions left by absent teacher;
• Report student injuries, accidents, illnesses, or discipline problems to the school principal immediately or as soon as is reasonably possible;
• Implement accommodations and supports as clearly outlined in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or plans provided for the day.
• Consult with special education teachers, as needed.
• Implement lesson plans, while ensuring the integrity of academic time and in a manner which motivates students to learn and participate;
• Organize students for effective instruction;
• Dismiss all students from the classroom before leaving the building;
• Comply with and support school and division regulations and policies;
• Maintain and respect confidentiality of student and school personnel information;
• Model non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
• Performs other duties consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills:

• Knowledge of specialized instruction
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues to ensure student needs are met
• Ability to follow and implement the accommodations and modifications on students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organization skills

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods. 

Qualifications & Requirements:

DESE License as a Special Education Teacher, grades 9-12 required

Reporting Relationships:

Position Reports to: The School Building Princiapl and SPED Coordinator at Somerville High School

Position Supervises: Not Applicable

Position Details:

Location: Somerville High School

Department: Special Education

Union Affiliation: Non-Union

Terms of Employment:
Employment Status: Full Time

Work Year: 183 days, Monday-Friday (school year calendar)
Work Hours: 7:45am-2:45pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Eligible and in accordance with the SPS Non-Union Benefits Package 
Salary: $54,900

Pre-Employment Requirements:

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

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The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.