Severe Special Needs Teacher Waltham High School

The purpose of this position is to have an individual who can provide specialized instruction to students with special education handicapping conditions.

The TASC program supports students who present with Autism Spectrum Disorder (as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction) in a sub-separate program across all aspects of the school day and who require ABA services to support their learning academically, behaviorally and socially.  Students also require discrete trial teaching to support their academic progress.  Decisions on the level and amount of inclusion into general education settings are determined on an individual basis at annual IEP team meetings. The teacher hired for this position will be 1 of 3 teachers who, along with 6 paraprofessionals, support these students. 

Qualifications: ..

  Education, Training and Experience:

1. Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Severe Special Needs licensure from the MA DESE
3. Demonstrated subject matter competence, highly qualified, in the area of licensure.

  Knowledge Required:

1. Currency in the curriculum including knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
2. Effective planning and assessment of curriculum and instruction.
3. Effective classroom management.
4. Effective instruction in a standards-based classroom.
5. Promotion of high standards and expectations for student proficiency.
6. Promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity.
7. Effective integration of technology across the curriculum.
8. Fulfillment of professional responsibilities.

Abilities Required:

1. Ability to deliver effective instruction.
2. Ability to differentiate instruction to meet student needs.
3. Ability to administer required student testing and assessments.
4. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.

Skills Required:

1. Effective classroom management skills.
2. Excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
3. Effective interpersonal skills.
4. Skills in the specific subject matter of instruction.

Supervision:

  Supervision Scope:

  Supervises students and evaluates their achievement.

  Supervision Given and Received:

  Supervised by principal and/or director.

Description of Duties:  

  (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be

   performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar,

   related or a logical assignment to the position.)

1.     Management of the Learning Environment

1. Utilizes effective and varied instructional techniques and procedures.
2. Provides a standards-based, student centered environment in each class taught.
3. Utilizes educational materials properly.
4. Maintains a pleasant, neat and well-organized classroom.
5. Performs scheduled duties promptly.
6. Fulfills paperwork responsibilities promptly.
7. Maintains professional competence through in-service educational activities.
8. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the content area.

1.   Understands and implements the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
2.     Teacher/Pupil/Parent Interaction

1. Assumes responsibility for providing a safe, supportive learning environment for every student.
2. Relates well to students of varied proficiency.
3. Provides and promotes opportunities for students to develop a wholesome self-concept.
4. Guides students toward self-control.
5. Provides effective student structure in the total school setting.
6. Accepts responsibility for the well-being of each assigned student.
7. Remains approachable to students and parents, as needed.
8. Contributes to a positive and effective working relationship between school and home.

1.     Professional and Personal Qualities

1. Adheres to the academic, ethical and social standards of the profession.
2. Speaks and writes clearly, understandably and appropriately.
3. Dresses appropriately and is well-groomed.
4. Accepts constructive criticism.
5. Applies suggestions for improvement.
6. Uses confidential information for professional purposes only.
7. Is equitable and sensitive and responsive to all learners.
8. Realizes that good attendance is necessary for effective learning.
9. Participates in ongoing professional development, including all district sponsored initiatives.
10. Aligns instruction to the Massachusetts frameworks and to departmental syllabi.

1.     Teacher/Staff Relations

1. Shows evidence of helping to promote positive working relationships will school personnel.
2. Demonstrates willingness to share and exchange ideas, skills, techniques and materials.
3. Works effectively with administrative personnel.
4. Accepts and implements school and district decisions.
5. Fulfills assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities.
6. Complies with school department procedures and school committee policies.

Salary:    As per the WEA contract.