Moderate Special Education Teacher

Moderate Special Education Teacher 

The Special Education Teacher provides high-quality, standards-based specialized instruction and serves as the IEP liaison (case manager) for assigned students. Working collaboratively with families, general education teachers, related service providers, and administrators, the teacher develops, implements, and monitors individualized educational programs that promote academic achievement, independence, and social-emotional growth. The teacher is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state special education regulations while fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can reach their full potential.

Essential Responsibilities

Instruction and Learning Environment

• Plan and deliver specialized, standards-based instruction aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• Differentiate instruction using evidence-based practices to meet the diverse academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs of students.

• Create and maintain a safe, structured, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports learning and student independence.

• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, assistive technology, and educational resources to maximize student access and participation.

• Monitor student learning through ongoing assessment and data collection to inform instruction and interventions.

• Maintain accurate instructional records and complete required documentation in a timely manner.

• Participate in ongoing professional learning and implement district initiatives and best practices.

IEP Case Management

• Serve as the IEP liaison (case manager) for assigned students.

• Coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with federal and Massachusetts special education regulations.

• Schedule, facilitate, and participate in Team meetings, ensuring all required documentation, timelines, and procedural safeguards are met.

• Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and ensure progress reporting is completed in accordance with district and state requirements.

• Coordinate services among general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, outside agencies, and families to ensure implementation of IEPs.

• Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential special education records.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding assigned students' special education programs and services.

Student Support

• Foster positive, respectful relationships with students and create an environment where all learners feel valued and supported.

• Support students' academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and functional development.

• Promote student self-advocacy, independence, executive functioning, and self-regulation skills.

• Implement behavioral supports and interventions consistent with student needs and district practices.

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all assigned students.

Family and Team Collaboration

• Establish collaborative partnerships with families through timely, respectful, and ongoing communication.

• Work effectively with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and other staff to support student success in the least restrictive environment.

• Participate actively in multidisciplinary problem-solving and instructional planning.

• Consult with colleagues regarding accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies that promote student access and progress.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold all legal and ethical responsibilities related to student information.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical practice in all aspects of the position.

• Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.

• Accept feedback and engage in continuous reflection and professional growth.

• Fulfill assigned duties and responsibilities in accordance with district procedures, School Committee policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Maintain regular attendance and reliability.

• Contribute positively to the school community and support district priorities related to equity, inclusion, and student achievement.

Reports To

• Building Principal and/or Director of Student Services or designee.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required; Master's degree preferred.

• Valid Massachusetts DESE license in Moderate Disabilities (Grades 6–12).

• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities.

• Experience with IEP development, implementation, and case management preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

• Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Knowledge

• Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

• Federal and Massachusetts special education laws, regulations, and procedural requirements.

• IEP development, implementation, and progress monitoring.

• Evidence-based instructional practices, assessment, and intervention.

• Inclusive educational practices and Universal Design for Learning.

• Positive behavioral supports and social-emotional learning.

Skills

• Effective instructional planning and differentiated teaching.

• Strong classroom management and relationship-building.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.

• Organization, time management, and case management.

• Effective collaboration and consultation with multidisciplinary teams.

• Proficiency with educational technology and special education documentation systems.

Abilities

• Deliver effective specialized instruction that meets diverse student needs.

• Analyze student data to guide instructional decisions.

• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements.

• Foster equitable, inclusive learning environments that promote high expectations for every student.

Salary

Salary is in accordance with the Waltham Educators Association collective bargaining agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.

MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.