Qualifications/Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Master’s preferred.
- Current, valid Massachusetts Certification in Moderate or Severe Special Needs at the grade level you are currently teaching.
- 3-5 years of experience in special education, education, and/or early childhood development. Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.
- Knowledge of IEP goal setting process.
- Interpersonal Skills: Establishes a professional rapport that earns respect from students and staff. Must be able to convey caring and support for students. Works well with others from diverse backgrounds. Focuses on solving conflict; maintaining confidentiality; relationship building; and teamwork.
- Language Skills: Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information and respond effectively to questions in 0ne-on-one, small and large group situations to students and other school staff. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, IEP’s, operating and procedure manuals and government regulations. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Other Skills and Abilities: Able to quickly respond and adapt to challenging, fast-paced, dynamic environments; strong planning and organizational skills.
- Active Listening- Give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Learning Strategies- Select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Persuasion- Persuade others to change their minds or behavior.
- Social Perceptiveness- Awareness of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
- Physical activity is a regular part of this role.
- Often sitting/standing for extended periods.
- Moderate lifting from 15 – 30 pounds.
- Assist students using playground equipment.
- Ability to use physical restraint on students, but only in an emergency to prevent injury and only if the teacher has been properly trained.
- Occasional travel for field trips.
