Lower School Special Education Teacher

We have an opening for a Lower School Special Education Teacher for the 2025-2026 School Year.

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of subject area, content and teaching methodology 
  • Massachusetts special education license: Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 
  • Experience working in special education setting (at least three years preferred)
  • Understanding of therapeutic milieu and classroom management strategies
  • Strong communication, organization and writing skills

 

Schedule:

  • 10 months/full time
  • Salary and benefits, including vacation time, determined by the Executive Director 

Supervised by: Head Teacher

 

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and deliver effective lessons, activities, homework and units aligned with MA Curriculum Frameworks
  • Differentiate instruction, lessons, and homework consistent with students’ IEPs and learning needs
  • Work collaboratively with teachers within your team to plan lessons and brainstorm ideas and strategies for working with students who are struggling both behaviorally and academically
  • Collect data on student performance based on IEP goals and benchmarks
  • Report on student progress through quarterly progress reports
  • Complete IEPs and progress reports on schedule
  • Attend IEP team meetings, as needed
  • Work with Head Teacher, team, and other academic teachers to conduct curriculum based assessments, MCAS, and other assessments, as indicated
  • Participate actively in formal and informal supervision and training to increase understanding of learning issues, refine teaching practices and continually improve overall job performance
  • Provide coverage for classes/electives when indicated
  • Supervise and engage with students during socially focused times, such as snack and lunch
  • Effectively manage the classroom and school setting by respond to student behaviors in the classroom and throughout the milieu by utilizing Gifford behavioral systems
  • Utilize physical management (Safety Care) techniques to help maintain community safety
  • Demonstrate respect for diversity among our staff and student body and promote a safe learning environment for all students and community members 
  • Lead group activities and student interest groups
  • Actively participate in daily team meetings, activities, and all staff meetings
  • Communicate serious incidents and other pertinent matters to appropriate leaders in a timely and effective manner and write incident reports when necessary
  • Develop positive relationships with families and serve as case monitor for assigned students to inform parents of student progress 
  • Participate in a few out of hours activities, such as Parents’ Night
  • Understand and represent Gifford’s culture and mission to students, families and others  
  • Within the context of your position at Gifford and as the job evolves, be open to new ideas, opportunities and responsibilities assigned by your supervisor and/or the Executive Director

 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to participate in outdoor physical activities to include kneeling, stooping and lifting up to 25 pounds