Position Title: Special Education TeacherFLSA Status: ExemptPosition Purpose: The Special Education Teacher is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality, individualized instruction and services aligned to their IEPs within the Montessori environment. This role supports students academic, social, emotional, and developmental growth through specialized instruction, collaboration with classroom teachers, and implementation of individualized supports and accommodations.The Special Education Teacher partners closely with lead teachers, intervention staff, related service providers, and the Director of Student Services to ensure students can access instruction, make meaningful progress toward IEP goals, and grow toward grade-level standards over time. River Valley believes all students are capable of rigorous learning and meaningful growth, and special educators play a critical role in ensuring students with disabilities have equitable access to high-quality instruction and grade-level expectations through individualized support and specialized instruction. Core Responsibilities: Specialized Instruction and Student Support: The Special Education teacher will: * Provide direct specialized instruction aligned to student IEP goals in individual, small-group, and inclusive classroom settings* Adapt Montessori materials, lessons, and instructional approaches to ensure accessibility for students with diverse learning needs* Support students in developing independence, executive functioning, self-regulation, and self-advocacy skills* Deliver accommodations and modifications as outlined in IEPs and 504 plans* Use a variety of instructional strategies to support diverse academic, behavioral, developmental, and learning needs* Reinforce grace and courtesy and contribute to positive student behavior and inclusion* Maintain a student-centered and strengths-based approach to support planning and instructionIEP Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation: The Special Education teacher will: * Ensure services, accommodations, and instructional supports are implemented with fidelity* Progress monitor IEP goals regularly and adjust instruction based on student performance and data* Maintain accurate and timely service documentation, progress reports, and instructional records* Conduct academic assessments, observations, and evaluation components as assigned* Contribute written input to evaluation reports, student progress summaries, and IEP development* Collaborate with the Director of Student Services regarding student needs, service recommendations, and support planning* Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and student support meetings* Support compliance with state and federal special education requirements through accurate implementation and documentation practicesStudent Learning and Outcomes: The Special Education teacher will: * Track student progress toward both IEP goals and grade-level standards* Use formal and informal assessment data to inform instruction and intervention decisions* Collaborate with lead teachers to ensure alignment between classroom instruction and student needs* Support MTSS/SST processes and help identify students requiring additional intervention or evaluation* Ensure students receiving services make measurable academic and developmental progress* Help create inclusive learning environments where students can access rigorous instruction and participate meaningfully in classroom communitiesCollaboration and Inclusion: The Special Education teacher will: * Partner closely with lead teachers to support inclusive classroom practices* Co-plan and problem-solve to ensure students can access the Montessori work cycle, materials, and instructional experiences* Collaborate with related service providers, interventionists, counselors, and administrators* Serve as a resource to staff on differentiation, accommodations, and inclusive instructional practices* Support consistency and alignment across instructional and support settings* Contribute to strong communication and coordinated support among all adults working with students* Provide direction, coaching, and support to instructional assistants working with assigned students to ensure effective implementation of accommodations, interventions, and instructional supports.
Family Partnership and Communication: The Special Education teacher will: * Build strong, respectful relationships with families* Communicate regularly and proactively about student progress and needs* Participate in IEP meetings and ensure families understand student services and supports* Support families in understanding how the Montessori model supports their childs development Professional Practice and Growth: The Special Education teacher will: * Engage in ongoing professional learning aligned to Montessori practice and student outcomes* Participate actively in coaching, observation, and feedback cycles* Collaborate with colleagues to improve instructional practice and student outcomes* Reflect on practice and implement feedback to improve effectiveness* Uphold all school policies, procedures, and professional expectationsEssential Functions: The essential functions of the Special Education Teacher position include, but are not limited to: * Providing specialized instruction aligned to student IEP goals in individual, small-group, and inclusive classroom settings* Implementing, monitoring, and documenting instructional supports, accommodations, and services aligned to student IEPs* Delivering accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction in accordance with student needs and applicable laws and regulations* Conducting assessments, observations, progress monitoring, and evaluation-related tasks as assigned* Collaborating effectively with lead teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families* Monitoring student progress and using assessment data to inform instructional decisions and interventions* Participating in IEP meetings, evaluations, and student support processes* Supporting inclusive classroom practices and access to instruction for students with disabilities* Maintaining accurate documentation, instructional records, and service-related timelines* Communicating clearly and professionally in written and verbal formats* Performing duties that require frequent movement throughout the school building and active engagement with students across settings* Regular and reliable attendancePerformance Expectations: Performance will be evaluated based on: Specialized Instruction and IEP Implementation* Quality and effectiveness of specialized instruction aligned to IEP goals* Fidelity of IEP implementation (services, accommodations, documentation)Student Outcomes* Progress toward IEP goals* Evidence of student growth toward grade-level standardsCollaboration and Inclusion* Effectiveness of partnership with lead teachers and specialists* Contribution to inclusive classroom environmentsProfessional Responsibilities* Collaboration, communication, and contribution to school cultureQualifications: * Bachelors degree required (Masters preferred in Special Education)* Massachusetts Special Education licensure (or ability to obtain)* Experience writing and implementing IEPs and contributing to special education evaluation and documentation processes* Experience working with students with diverse learning needs* Strong instructional knowledge related to intervention, differentiation, and inclusive practices* Montessori experience or training preferredKey Competencies: * Strong knowledge of special education law, compliance, and best practices* Ability to design and deliver individualized, goal-aligned instruction* Skill in adapting curriculum and materials for accessibility* Strong collaboration and communication skills* Strong organizational skills related to documentation, service delivery, and instructional planning* Reflective practice and openness to feedback* Commitment to inclusive, student-centered educational practices
