Special Education Teacher Jobs in Massachusetts
Special education teacher jobs in Massachusetts represent one of the most active markets in the Northeast, with steady demand in public school districts, charter networks, and specialized therapeutic day schools from entry-level paraprofessional-to-teacher transitions through senior lead positions. Boston, Worcester, and Springfield anchor the largest concentrations of openings, where established employers such as Boston Public Schools, the May Institute, and Perkins School for the Blind maintain consistent hiring pipelines. The most in-demand specialties include autism spectrum support, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities at the elementary and secondary levels. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 263+ Special Education Teacher jobs
Department: Special Education
FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Non-Exempt, Non-Aligned (LTS)
Reports To: Principal, Assistant Principal, Department Head/Curriculum Coordinator
SUMMARY
The Special Education Teacher provides an appropriate educational program for elementary students with special needs. This teacher may act as a case manager for a group of students, co-teach in a regular education department, teach a substantially separate subject area class, and support student acquisition of skills related to IEP goals. The teacher is also expected to maintain open communication with parents, regular education teachers, counselors, and housemasters, as well as contribute to the regular functioning and development of the Special Education Department, and fulfill other responsibilities as a member of the broader school community.
This is a long term substitute position covering a leave from 1/13 - 4/1.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Requisite licensure as defined by the DESE
- Experience implementing all parts of the IEP process
- Knowledge of a wide range of disabilities
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Believes in helping all students achieve their potential, including minority and low socio-economic students
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Additionally licensed in a regular education content area (Science, History, Math, English)
JOB FUNCTIONS
- Teach students specific skills and strategies to help them access curriculum
- Conduct IEP meetings and complete all related paperwork in a timely fashion
- Monitor student progress; revise IEP according to progress
- Co-teach in regular education content area, or teach substantially separate subject
- Prepare students for transition to post-high school life
- Communication with school personnel outside of the department and parents
- Attendance at departmental and school-wide meetings
- Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
- Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large or small school building
- Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
__
In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.
Department: Special Education
FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Non-Exempt, Non-Aligned (LTS)
Reports To: Principal, Assistant Principal, Department Head/Curriculum Coordinator
SUMMARY
The Special Education Teacher provides an appropriate educational program for elementary students with special needs. This teacher may act as a case manager for a group of students, co-teach in a regular education department, teach a substantially separate subject area class, and support student acquisition of skills related to IEP goals. The teacher is also expected to maintain open communication with parents, regular education teachers, counselors, and housemasters, as well as contribute to the regular functioning and development of the Special Education Department, and fulfill other responsibilities as a member of the broader school community.
This is a long term substitute position covering a leave from 1/13 - 4/1.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Requisite licensure as defined by the DESE
- Experience implementing all parts of the IEP process
- Knowledge of a wide range of disabilities
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Believes in helping all students achieve their potential, including minority and low socio-economic students
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Additionally licensed in a regular education content area (Science, History, Math, English)
JOB FUNCTIONS
- Teach students specific skills and strategies to help them access curriculum
- Conduct IEP meetings and complete all related paperwork in a timely fashion
- Monitor student progress; revise IEP according to progress
- Co-teach in regular education content area, or teach substantially separate subject
- Prepare students for transition to post-high school life
- Communication with school personnel outside of the department and parents
- Attendance at departmental and school-wide meetings
- Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
- Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large or small school building
- Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
__
In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.
See All 263+ Special Education Teacher Jobs in Massachusetts
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Find JobsSpecial Education Teacher Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Teacher Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Springfield Public Schools, MA17
- May Institute9
- Justice Resource Institute7
- COLLABORATIVE for Educational Services6
- Nauset Public Schools5
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Government & Public Sector
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teacher jobs across Massachusetts.
- Active Massachusetts Initial or Professional license in moderate or severe disabilities
- Bachelor's or master's degree in special education or a closely related field
- Passing scores on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure relevant to the license type
- Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs for diverse learners
- Ability to collaborate with general education teachers, therapists, and families on student goals
- Familiarity with Massachusetts IEP documentation systems and state special education regulations
Special Education Teacher Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education teacher in Massachusetts?
To become a special education teacher in Massachusetts, you must earn licensure through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Candidates need a bachelor's degree or higher in special education or a related field, completion of a state-approved educator preparation program, and passing scores on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure, which includes the appropriate subject matter and communication and literacy tests. The license tiers are Initial, Professional, and Specialist.
How much do special education teachers make in Massachusetts?
Special education teachers in Massachusetts earn a median of about $99,070 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $62,400 for the lowest 10% to over $126,340 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire special education teachers in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring special education teachers in Massachusetts right now include Springfield Public Schools, MA, May Institute, and Justice Resource Institute, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Massachusetts has a particularly strong network of private therapeutic day schools and residential programs alongside its large urban public districts, giving candidates options well beyond traditional classroom settings.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most special education teacher jobs?
Springfield, Boston, and Framingham are the Massachusetts cities with the most special education teacher openings. Boston dominates due to the size of its public school district and the density of specialized schools and nonprofit providers in the metro, while Worcester and Springfield reflect large urban districts serving high-need student populations that consistently require special education staff.
Are there remote special education teacher jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, but they're rare. Special education teaching is a hands-on role that typically requires in-person presence for direct student instruction, behavior support, and IEP meetings. About 0% of special education teacher openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve teletherapy, online program coordination, or IEP consulting roles rather than full classroom instruction.
How can I get hired as a special education teacher in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is working as a special education paraprofessional or teaching assistant in a Massachusetts public school district while completing an educator preparation program. Districts like Boston Public Schools and Springfield Public Schools regularly hire paras, and that experience counts toward licensure requirements. Perkins School for the Blind and the May Institute also bring on program staff without a full teaching license for residential and day program roles, creating a practical bridge to a licensed position.
Where can I find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current Massachusetts openings across public school districts, private therapeutic schools, and specialized nonprofit providers. Find the roles that fit your license area and experience, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 263+ Special Education Teacher Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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