Special Education Teacher LSP (SY26-27)

Position: Special Education Teacher - Learning Support ProgramPosition Type: Full-timeDepartment: Secondary; Special EducationLocation: Watertown Middle SchoolReports to: PrincipalAffiliation: WEA Unit ASalary range: As determined by WEA Salary Schedule, Unit AGeneral Description:The special education teacher is responsible for the day-to-day management of the classroom and provision of instruction, including the development and implementation of the Individual Education Program (IEP) goals, assessment, and curriculum design at the Watertown Middle School Learning Support Program (LSP). The LSP Program is a specialized special education program that services students with global cognitive delays.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Monitor and evaluate student progress and record student outcomesDesign and carry out developmentally appropriate motivating curriculum/programming as required by IEP goals/MA curriculum frameworksManages a classroom environment that prioritizes inclusion in the student general education settingAdapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needsCreate an environment that is positive for student learning and involvementMaintain appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safetyCollect, analyze, and maintain behavioral data on all studentsDemonstrated ability to maintain effective communication with administration, parents, counselors, and related service providersCoaches instructional assistants as it relates to behavior plans and data collection.Acts as a liaison between general education teacher and parentsCore Competencies: Using the Massachusetts Model System for Educators Rubric, priority skills and abilities that all Watertown Public School teachers should possess:Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment:(Subject Matter Knowledge, Well-Structured Lessons, Curriculum and Planning Indicator, Child and Adolescent Development)Demonstrates mastery of and enthusiasm for the content area and the pedagogy it requiresCan convey a grasp of child development and how students learnDesigns effective and rigorous standards based units of instruction consisting of well-structured lessons with measurable outcomesTeaching All Students:(Meeting Diverse Needs, Student Engagement, Safe Learning Environment)Uses instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all students and facilitate equitable, active student participationBuilds a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class communityCultural ProficiencyActively creates and maintains an environment in which students' diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respectedFamily and Community Engagement:(Parent/Family Engagement)* Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning* Professional Reflection & CollaborationProfessional Culture:(Reflective Practice, Professional Collaboration)* Regularly reflects on practice, seeks and responds to feedback, and demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to continuous learning and development* Seeks to participate in and contribute to a collaborative adult learning communityQualifications Required:Valid DESE Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities 5-12 license requiredValid SEI Endorsement: Students with Moderate and Severe DisabilitiesBachelor's degree required, Master's preferredExperience working with students with a range of disabilities in a public school settingExcellent spoken and written communication skillsExperience working with students in a substantially separate settingAt least three years of teaching experience preferredMultilingual candidates are encouraged to apply, with Spanish and Portuguese language skills preferredPhysical Demands:* Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Moving physical objects such as sound equipment may be required.Equal Opportunity Employer:Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.