SUMMARY
The Reading Public Schools is seeking special education teachers for the Extended School Year program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.
• Teaches district-approved and/or student-specific specialized curriculum. • Develops appropriate instructional materials, activities, and lesson plans with modifications and accommodations appropriate for individual students taking into consideration cognitive levels and age-appropriateness. • Structures the classroom and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere. • Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of students work. • Evaluates students academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares progress reports. • Identifies student needs and implements individual education plans. • Participates in planning of curriculum goals and relevant student performance objectives. • Helps students to develop individual learning goals and objectives. • Evaluates individual student accomplishment of goals and objectives, records performance, and adjusts individual and group learning activities accordingly. • Works with parents of individual children to help guide the growth and development of the children as needed. • Demonstrates an understanding of definitions, etiology, and characteristics of students disabilities. • Demonstrates an understanding of various specialized materials and can align instruction with both IEP goals and Curriculum Common Core State Standards. • Participates as needed to physically and safely support students (e.g., behavior-preventative blocking, escorts, restraints, medical-positioning, lifting, guiding escorts). • Communicates regularly with parents as may be needed. • Works with specialists, related service providers, staff members, parents, and outside persons or agencies to facilitate communication regarding important student needs. • Plans and coordinates the work of paraeducators. • Properly utilizes and conserves physical facilities, equipment, and supplies. • Maintains an understanding of the philosophies and principles utilized in District-wide programs. • Follows state and federal special education regulations as outlined in the IDEA and the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 28.00, which are in addition to or in some instances clarify or further elaborate the special education rights and responsibilities set forth in state statute M.G.L. c. 71B, federal statute 20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq., as amended, and federal regulations 34 CFR §300 et seq., as amended. • Follows all standards and indicators to the best of his or her ability as described in the Reading Public Schools Teacher Assessment Process (TAP).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises the classroom, students, paraeducators, and parent volunteers.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program • Ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned • Knowledge of special education procedures to maintain appropriate confidential records • Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form • Ability to react professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g., environmental changes, behavior, aggression, seizure activity, etc.) • Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and DESE policies
EDUCATION
• Minimum of a baccalaureate degree; masters degree preferred
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
• Teachers must possess valid Massachusetts teacher licensure appropriate to their student population (e.g., Teacher of Moderate Disabilities per age group, Teacher of Severe Disabilities)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools is required, along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment (e.g., calculator, copier, printer). The employee must be able to enter data read from screens and review handwritten or printed materials with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues (both in person and over the phone) is essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback to instructional staff.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students, parents, and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.