Position: Inclusion Teacher - (Autism Program) Hosmer Elementary (SY 24-25)

Department: Elementary

Location: Hosmer Elementary 
Affiliation: WEA Unit A

Reports to: Principal

Salary range: As determined by the WEA Unit A contract

Summary: Hosmer Elementary School seeks an outstanding Inclusion Teacher of students with Moderate/Severe needs to instruct students with Autism and related developmental disabilities in an inclusion classroom setting.  

Qualified candidates will present evidence of expertise and experience in the following areas: Common Core and MA state curriculum frameworks; evaluation and assessment procedures and report writing; development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs); completion of IEP Progress Reports; meaningful inclusive teaching practices for students with intensive special needs including Universal Design for Learning and co-teaching strategies; knowledge of evidence-based methodologies for instruction for students with Autism such as Applied Behavioral Analysis and total communication techniques; ability to embed instruction in activities of daily living within the academic framework; effective communication and collaborative relationship building with colleagues and parents; knowledge of special education process and procedures as well as pre-referral mandates and eligibility criteria.  

Candidates for this position are organized, flexible, creative, and self-reflective educators with a growth mindset.  The ideal teacher for this position is passionate about providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive setting for all children regardless of disability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and provide high-quality academic content instruction to students with disabilities that are modified to their instructional level according to their IEPs in collaboration with the general education teacher.
• Monitor and evaluate students’ academic, social, and behavioral progress and record student growth and outcomes
• Co-Design and carry out developmentally appropriate, motivating curriculum/programming as required by Common Core/ MA Curriculum Frameworks and in accordance with each student’s IEP
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs
• Create an environment that is positive for student learning and involvement
• Maintain appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safety
• Collect, analyze, and maintain academic data on all students; and other data if/ as required (social/ behavioral)
• Maintain effective communication with administrators, parents, counselors, and related service providers
• Serve as a liaison for a caseload of students; include formal and informal testing as part of the special education evaluation cycle; write assessment reports to present at IEP Team meetings; write the IEP; and write quarterly progress reports on IEP goals and objectives
• Provide consultation to general education teachers regarding individual students’ needs, goals, and learning style
• Stay current in MCAS requirements for students with disabilities, and state and federal guidelines regarding how students with disabilities should participate in testing
• Provide direct oversight of all Instructional Assistants assigned to the program either as classroom assistants or student-specific assistants recommended by IEP Teams

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Valid DESE Teacher of Students with Moderate OR Severe Disabilities license (required)
• Dual licensure - Special Education and General Education - (preferred)
• Experience Co-Teaching in a General Ed setting - (preferred)
• Experience working with students with a range of disabilities in a public school setting - (preferred)
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills, strong collaborator

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.