Teacher - Special Education -Autism

Holyoke Public Schools believes that all students have the right to an excellent education; our Special Education teachers are crucial to ensuring all of our diverse learners have success in academics and life. Special education teachers analyze data, support and implement behavior management plans, communicate with parents/guardians, collaborate with general education teachers, and develop IEP goals and objectives that address students of all ability levels. Additionally, Holyoke Public Schools Special Education teachers deliver specially designed instruction that ensures the growth of our students with exceptionalities with the necessary rigor to prepare them for post-secondary success. This is an excellent opportunity to join a Special Education team that is preparing the next generation of future leaders. RISE Program: The RISE Program is a substantially separate program for students with disabilities that result in severe global cognitive delays and adaptive skills deficits. The students in this progam require a school program focused on: pre-academics/readiness skills, limited functional academics and adaptive skills development through provision of significantly modified curriculum, teaching methodology/delivery of instruction and performance criteria. Personal Qualities of Top CandidatesCommitment to Equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives and excellent education.Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations.Focus on Data-Driven Results: Relentlessly pursues the mastery of instruction based on student performance, and is driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.Innovative Problem-Solving: Relentlessly pursues the mastery of instruction based on student performance, and is driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.Adaptability: Excels in a constantly changing environment and adapts to flexibility in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort.Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning and supporting other; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others. Job Description:Formulate, write and implement Individual Education PlansOrganize and implement an instructional program that meets the developmental level and unique learning style of diverse learnersCreate a positive educational environment for all students using a multi-tiered system of supportsManages the classroom to maintain a safe, secure and effective learning environment by providing a high degree of structure, clear expectations and consistency. Implements expectations and consequences as appropriate for each student as outlined in behavior management planMaintains a firm, fair and consistent approach to the instruction of students and promotes student involvement by reinforcing positive behaviorsEnsures the rights of all students are observed and protected through the use of appropriate and respectful communication, proper de-escalation techniques, and correct physical restraint methods when necessary.Objectively evaluate academic and/or behavioral outcomes through a system of data collection and analysis that drives decision makingUse professional quality communication skills to convey information to the student's teamMeet all district, state and federal requirements for the program to which you are assigned, including IEP and Progress Report deadlinesDemonstrate an understanding of functional skills and implement a system of positive behavioral interventionsAdminister a variety of assessment tools, write detailed reports, summarize the results and provide recommendationsUse formative and summative assessment and document student progress and achievement; assess and analyze student strengths; design and implement appropriate instruction to facilitate learning and growthCollaborate with other educators, related service providers and parents to maximize student outcomes.Remain current with accepted and appropriate instructional theory, practice and research. Including engaging in regular and strategic professional development to stay current in best practices for diverse learners Candidate RequirementsBachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institutionLicensure in Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8 or Severe disabilities grades , All Levels with SEI Endorsement. Experience working with students with severe disabilities.At least one year of full-time teaching experienceFamiliarity with IEP process and reportingPassion for teaching