ES Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Reports to: Building Principal in Partnership with the Special Education Department
Subordinates: None

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: School Year Instructional Salary Scale

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and dedicated Massachusetts-licensed Special Education Teacher to join our team. This position will serve as a key member of our Special Education department, providing individualized and group instruction to students with disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a passion for fostering academic success, be committed to inclusion, and demonstrate flexibility in meeting the diverse needs of students.

The selected candidate will adhere to all Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines and regulations, ensuring that students receive the highest quality of instruction and support.

This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.

Key Responsibilities:
Attend and participate in IEP meetings.

Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, ensuring that they receive appropriate and effective support.

Provide specialized instruction, accommodations, and modifications to students in one-on-one, small group, and classroom settings.

Collaborate with general education teachers and other support staff to design and align instructional strategies that meet students' IEP goals.

Assess student progress regularly and adjust instructional methods as needed to ensure student success in meeting their educational goals.

Maintain accurate records of student performance and progress towards IEP goals, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and district guidelines.

Participate in IEP meetings, including developing, revising, and reviewing IEPs in collaboration with parents, guardians, and the school team.

Provide consultation and support to other educators and staff regarding accommodations, modifications, and teaching strategies.

Work to maintain a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes respect, collaboration, and academic achievement.

Adhere to confidentiality standards and share sensitive information only in accordance with legal requirements and District policies.

Participate in required professional development activities and strive for continuous improvement in teaching practices.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal and/or Special Education Director.

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification as a Special Education Teacher preferred, or minimal comparable MTEL requirements.

Current authorization to work in the United States.

SEI Endorsement is required.

Ability to work effectively with students, parents, and colleagues in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Strong communication and organizational skills.

Experience working with students with diverse learning needs, including students with emotional, cognitive, or physical disabilities.

Additional Requirements:
Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts state regulations.

Ability to work in compliance with federal, state, and district policies and regulations.

Completion of any required professional development or certifications as mandated by the District.

Work Environment:

The work environment is typically inside a school or classroom setting.

Noise levels may vary, but are generally moderate, with occasional higher noise levels due to student activities or group work.

Some travel between classrooms and school buildings may be required.

The role may require lifting, carrying, or moving educational materials or students, as well as the ability to monitor and engage in physical activities.

Important Note:
Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Full-Time Exempt Salary Position in accordance with the established Teacher's Salary Scale. AKFCS also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS): Eligible

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

403(b) & ROTH403(b) with Match

Stipend for Professional/Personal Development

Dash Pass (DoorDash)

YMCA Discounts

Comprehensive Private Leave of Absence Program (PFML)

Sick Time with Sick Bank

Personal Days

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission
The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.

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Welcome to ATX Learning

OUR HISTORY
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts and founded in 1998, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.

Charter schools are independent public schools that operate under five-year charters granted by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and governed by a Board of Directors/Trustees. Abby Kelley has had its Charter renewed consistently, without conditions, since 2003. Currently, the school is in the second year of its most recent five-year Charter term.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is named in honor of Abby Kelley Foster, a 19th century Worcester resident who was a leader in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing a classical liberal arts education grounded in the great works of Western Civilization and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence and character formation.

In support of this mission Abby Kelley each month (September -June) emphasizes a Character Virtue all students are encouraged to keep in mind in their day to day lives. The Abby Kelley Character Virtues are; Responsibility, Truth, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, True Friendship, Kindness, Perseverance, Self Discipline and Courage.

OUR PARENTS
Abby Kelley views parents as the primary educators of their children and encourages them to actively participate in our school's community. To foster positive parental relationships, Abby Kelley offers frequent information sessions and encourages participation through parent/teacher groups, classroom volunteer opportunities and other school activities. Abby Kelley faculty develops positive relationships and communication with parents, as strong parent communication ensures progress toward academic and behavioral standards.

OUR STUDENTS
Abby Kelley is a K-12 district with 1,424 and 250 staff. The AKFCS students body is reflective of the diverse population in Worcester as 92% of our students are Worcester residents. Our students body is 86% BiPOC with 55% identifying as African American, 22% identifying as Hispanic, 14% identifying as White and 8.7% identifying as other ethnicities. At AKFCS 71% of our students are High Needs and 18% are English Language Learners (ELL).

Currently, in our eleventh year of offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) for our High School students, the IB Programme develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. The Programme encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.

Students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, team sports, clubs, and musical activities ranging from electives to full orchestra.

Abby Kelley's graduation rate is consistently at or above 96% and since 2019 the High School has consistently been ranked among the top 10% in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.