26-27 Special Education SEEK Teacher Therapeutic Program

Position Summary:

The Special Education Teacher in the Therapeutic Program (SEEK) provides specialized instruction and supports the academic social emotional and behavioral development of students with identified needs. This role creates a structured supportive and trauma-informed learning environment that promotes student growth and access to the curriculum. The teacher collaborates with staff families and service providers to implement individualized programming aligned with state standards and district expectations.

Optional Work Schedules:

184 days (School Year Schedule) or

209 days (School Year schedule184 daysand additional work days include25 daysoutside of the regular school year which would includeSpecial EducationSummer School Programs.

Work Year: 184 days (school year) or 209 days (including extended year/summer programming)

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed below reflect the primary duties of the position; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the role. Additional responsibilities that are similar related or a logical assignment to the position may be assigned as needed to meet program legal or operational needs.

• Plan and deliver instruction aligned with Massachusetts state standards and district curriculum
• Develop and implement differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs across multiple grade levels
• Create a structured therapeutic classroom environment that supports students social emotional and behavioral development
• Implement strategies to support emotional regulation coping skills and interpersonal development
• Conduct ongoing formative and summative assessments and use data to inform instruction and interventions
• Adapt curriculum and instructional methods to ensure equitable access for all students
• Collaborate with general education teachers counselors paraprofessionals and related service providers (e.g. BCBA) to support student needs
• Establish and maintain effective culturally responsive communication with families and caregivers
• Support and implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and monitor student progress
• Direct and support paraprofessional staff in instructional and behavioral programming
• Maintain a safe inclusive and supportive classroom environment
• Follow guidance from school and district leadership to support school-wide expectations and practices
• Participate in professional development and incorporate new strategies into instruction
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position as assigned

Knowledge Abilities & Skills

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development particularly social-emotional and behavioral needs
• Knowledge of special education practices IEP implementation and therapeutic programming
• Ability to create structured trauma-informed and supportive classroom environments
• Ability to differentiate instruction and adapt curriculum to meet diverse student needs
• Strong classroom management and behavior support skills
• Ability to analyze student data and adjust instruction accordingly
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with staff families and service providers
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
• Commitment to culturally responsive and equitable teaching practices

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by anemployeeto successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the positions essential functions.

• Standingand walking for prolonged periods; frequent bending kneeling stooping reaching which may include sitting on the floor to effectively engage with students;
• The use of hands and fingers to operate computers instructional technology and classroom materials.
• Sufficient visual auditory and verbal ability to supervise students deliver instruction and evaluate student performance.
• Ability to lift carry and move instructional materials and supplies weighing up to 15 pounds. The position further requires the ability to respond appropriately and promptly to emergency situations to ensure the health and safety of students.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Appropriate Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure in Special Education or relevant field is required
• SEI Endorsement required
• Experience working in therapeutic or substantially separate programs preferred
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred

Reporting Relationships

• TheSchool Principal

Position Details

Location: John F. Kennedy School

Department: Special Education

Union Affiliation: Somerville Educators Union (SEU) Unit A

Terms of Employment

Employment Status:Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: Shall becommensurate with education and experience in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union collective bargaining agreement.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs facilities or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race color age religion disability pregnancy home status marital/civil union status sex/gender gender identity sexual orientation citizenship status place of birth national origin ancestry cultural identity genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Required Experience:

IC