Lower School Teacher

RequirementsLicensure in Moderate Disabilities (K8). Please include Massachusetts License number on resumeAt least 3 years of relevant experience preferredExperience with IEP processStrengths in classroom management collaboration and a love of teachingSchedule10 months/full time Monday Thursday 7:30am3:30pm Friday 7:30am3pmQualifications: Knowledge of subject area content and teaching methodology Massachusetts special education licensed Experience teaching in special education setting Ability to work both collaboratively and independently Understanding of therapeutic milieu and classroom management strategies Strong communication organization and writing skillsSchedule: 10 months/full time Salary and benefits including vacation time determined by the Executive DirectorSupervised by: Head TeacherResponsibilities: Plan and deliver effective lessons activities homework and units aligned with MACurriculum Frameworks Create appropriate homework assignments to reinforce class work and assessunderstanding Work collaboratively with teachers within your subject area to plan lessons andbrainstorm ideas and strategies for working with students who are struggling bothbehaviorally and academically Consistent with each students IEP differentiate instruction lessons andhomework to meet the needs of each student and to implement Help studentsovercome deficits in their subject areas in order to encourage academic success Participate actively in formal and informal supervision and training to increaseunderstanding of learning issues refine teaching practices and continually improveoverall job performance Run/Participate in program teacher meetings; work with colleagues to developcurriculum and address specific students needs Provide coverage for classes/electives when indicated Supervise and engage with students at unstructured times such as earned free timeand lunch Develop crosscurricular activities/projects Keep uptodate records of student grades/performance Access student information in preparation for IEPs and PRs with program team Complete IEPs and progress reports on schedule; attend IEP team meetings asneeded Work with Head Teacher team and other academic teachers to standardize andconduct curriculum based assessment and MCAS as well as emotional and socialassessment and other assessments as indicated Maintain a clean and organized teaching and learning environment Respond to student behaviors in the classroom and throughout the milieu byutilizing Gifford behavioral systems Utilizing Safety Care techniques help maintain community safety Promote a safe learning environment Work collaboratively with other staff to manage milieu and support the teamconcept Lead elective courses health team sports study halls and large group activities Actively participate in daily team meetings and activities and all staff meetings Attend oncea month administrator led inservice training Communicate serious incidents and other pertinent matters to appropriate leadersin a timely and effective manner and write incident reports when necessary Develop positive relationships with families and serve as case monitor for assignedstudents to inform parents of student progress Attend oncea month administrator led inservice training Remain up to date (daily checks) with all internal email and voicemail messages Participate in a few night meetings Help maintain a safe positive work and learning environment for all by adheringto the principles of conduct described in Giffords policy manuals and by treatingall Gifford community members with fairness and respect Demonstrate respect for diversity among our staff and student body and promotean atmosphere which values this diversity Understand and represent Giffords culture and mission to students families andothers Within the context of your position at Gifford and as the job evolves be open tonew ideas opportunities and responsibilities assigned by your supervisor and/orthe Executive DirectorPhysical Requirements Ability to participate in outdoor physical activities to include kneeling stoopingand lifting up to 25 pounds