Position: Special Education Teacher

Position Summary: Special Educators provide specialized instruction and support to students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, collaborate closely with general education teachers, related service providers, families, and administrators, and coordinate services for students in Wayland Public Schools. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring individualized educational programs that promote students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional growth.

The Special Educator develops and implements individualized programs aligned with students' IEP goals both in and out of the general education classroom. It is expected that the Special Educator utilizes evidence-based instructional practices, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) teaching methodologies when appropriate. Instruction may incorporate strategies such as direct instruction in all academic, social, and emotional skills, prompt fading, reinforcement, discrete trial instruction, naturalistic teaching, and other research-based interventions designed to maximize student engagement, independence, and skill acquisition.

The Special Educator provides behavior intervention support by implementing Positive Behavior Support strategies and individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), collaborating with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other specialists as appropriate. The role includes fostering positive learning environments, teaching replacement behaviors, utilizing proactive classroom management techniques, and supporting students with behavioral, social, and emotional regulation needs.

The Special Educator supports Teaching Assistants working with students on their caseload to ensure consistent implementation of instructional programs, behavior support strategies, and data collection procedures. Students served typically present with mild to moderate disabilities across a range of learning, communication, behavioral, and developmental profiles.

Duties and Responsibilities (Not limited to):

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment that supports students' academic growth and sense of belonging
• Promote equity and value the diverse backgrounds, identities, and learning needs of all students

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Process:

• Schedule, prepare for, and facilitate TEAM meetings for students on caseload
• Administer and interpret diagnostic assessments; prepare reports for initial evaluations and three-year re-evaluations
• Develop and write IEPs in collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams
• Prepare comprehensive and timely progress reports
• Deliver services in alignment with each student's IEP

Instruction & Student Support:

• Design and implement specialized instruction and interventions for all students
• Monitor student progress using formal and informal assessments, including benchmark and progress monitoring tools
• Analyze data to inform, adjust, and differentiate instruction, materials, and assessments aligned with curriculum standards and IEP goals

Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate effectively with general education teachers, specialists, and support staff on curriculum, instruction, and student needs
• Partner with counseling, ESL, administration, and clinical staff as appropriate
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with families/caregivers to support student development

Professional Responsibilities:

• Participate actively in department meetings and school/district initiatives
• Stay current with best practices through professional learning, workshops, and continued study
• Maintain high expectations for all students and support their growth academically, socially, and behaviorally

Classroom & Program Management:

• Adapt and maintain a small classroom environment to meet the needs of students
• Supervise and guide Teaching Assistants and support staff
• Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Student Services

Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of the developmental, academic, social, and emotional needs of students with diverse learning profiles. Experience with ABA Methodologies to support student learning preferred.
• Knowledge of inclusive, student-centered instructional practices across multiple settings
• Familiarity with Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
• Ability to select and implement appropriate assessments to measure student progress
• Skill in analyzing data to inform instruction and interventions
• Ability to design and implement positive behavioral supports
• Deep understanding of IEP development and implementation
• Knowledge of applicable district, state, and federal regulations related to special education
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree in Special Education or related field preferred

• Massachusetts DESE licensure in Special Education (appropriate grade level)
• MA DESE SEI Endorsement
• Additional licensure in General Education and/or ESL highly desirable

• Experience working with students with disabilities across a range of needs
• Experience in public school settings, particularly diverse districts
• Experience supporting academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development, including executive functioning
• Training in language-based instruction/dyslexia (e.g., Wilson, Orton-Gillingham, Brain Frames, EmPOWER Writing) highly desirable
• Experience working with English Language Learners preferred
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Classroom) and PowerSchool preferred (training available)

Salary Range: Commensurate with the WEA Unit A Salary Scale Example: Master's through Master's +30 range $95,754 - $126,651

Work Schedule: 2026-2027 School Year; school-year schedule in alignment with the WEA contract Unit A

Wayland Public Schools (WPS) provides a desirable benefits package for full-time employees which include: health, employer sponsored Health Savings Account, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b), Dependent Care Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, and participation in retirement pension boards.