Middle School Special Education Teacher Jobs

COMPASS is a unique school that has been serving the special needs of students for 50 years. COMPASS has a very supportive, team based approach in working with a very challenging population. Read on for more details!

Job Summary:

Teachers are responsible for the daily decisions regarding academics for all students and must design curricula that meet the needs of each student through accommodations and modifications to grade level work, thereby ensuring the educational needs of each student are met. Teachers must also work collaboratively with Clinicians, Caseworkers, and Teaching Assistants to create a safe, nurturing, therapeutic, and educational environment within the COMPASS School. Teachers must understand the clinical, behavioral, and educational needs of their students, and must understand, respond to, and embrace the cultural and linguistic diversity among COMPASS staff and students. Teachers should maintain a working knowledge of IDEA and DESE regulations to ensure the smooth administration of COMPASS services and must work to meet IEP goals and objectives to ensure the goals of the COMPASS School are achieved. Teachers meet regularly with Clinicians and Caseworkers for treatment team meetings.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform any duties the Executive Director deems necessary to ensure the safety of COMPASS staff and students and that the goals of the School are met
• Work collaboratively with clinicians, caseworkers, other teachers, and administration to support the needs of students and the program
• During arrival and dismissal times, carry out staff assignment to help maintain a smooth milieu
• Direct Care Services
• Assume responsibility for daily decisions regarding academics for all students and attend to all regular teaching duties
• Prepare and teach classes according to program schedule
• Develop and implement individual curricula for each student according to IEP and grade level expectations
• Maintain records for grades, attendance, and points for students
• Implement the BEAMS behavior management system developed by COMPASS
• Attend all parent/teacher conferences
• Classroom Management
• Ensure all rules and regulations in the classroom are implemented and maintained
• Establish clear behavioral and academic expectations for students, displaying updated points and steps for all students
• Maintain a neat and clean classroom, ensuring that all materials and equipment are secured at the end of the day
• Supervision
• Meet with the Educational Coordinator or Lead Teacher to receive biweekly supervision to discuss workload and overall well-being, receive feedback, and seek professional development
• Participate in ongoing group supervision with fellow teachers
• Crisis Management
• Provide ongoing support to the milieu to prevent crises and de-escalate active crises, coordinating with Clinicians, Caseworkers, Teachers, and Related Services staff as appropriate
• Develop comfort with using Crisis Prevention Intervention techniques ranging from verbal de-escalation to physical CPI-certified escorts and restraints
• Promptly inform supervisor of any witnessed crises or behavioral escalations

Administrative Duties:

• Fulfill IEP requirements by attending meetings, drafting new IEPs, implementing accommodations and modifications, and writing quarterly progress notes
• Complete educational assessments for all students
• Ensure completion of report cards, as well as IEP progress notes and mid-quarter IEP reviews

Communications:

• Maintain communications with families, as appropriate, to ensure parents and guardians are informed of academic progress

Qualifications:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred)
• Hold a Massachusetts Teaching License (*if hired under a teacher waiver, the candidate agrees to actively work towards obtaining a teaching license)

Skills:

• Demonstrates the ability to create a structured, supporting, and positive classroom environment
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues in a therapeutic school setting
• Demonstrated teaching experience with inner-city students
• Demonstrates ability to deescalate situations and manage behavioral challenges
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
• Demonstrates proficiency in using Google Suite and Zoom applications
• Demonstrates familiarity with IEP and a working knowledge of Special Education laws/regulations in Massachusetts
• Demonstrates ability to maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations and to maintain student confidentiality

Mission Statement

COMPASS’ mission is to equip those it serves with the skills to become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities and society. We specialize in providing services to an at-risk population that includes comprehensive and individualized education, stabilization, transition, counseling, support, and enrichment services. Using a team approach, COMPASS works to develop and enhance the confidence and abilities of youth and families by providing these services in safe, nurturing, and motivating environments. As we carry out our mission, we do so with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by encouraging continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to provide physical crisis intervention with students that may include physical restraint
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Massachusetts Teaching License (Required)

Work Location: In person