WAYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Position: Long Term Special Education Teacher

 

Job Summary: Special Educators provide direct instruction and support to students with special needs, collaborates closely with general education teachers and related service providers, and coordinates services for students in Wayland Public Schools.

This role supports an elementary program through a co-taught inclusion model and/or a resource room model, delivering targeted academic instruction in areas such as reading, writing, math and executive functioning. Services are provided through a combination of in-class support within general education settings and pull-out specialized instruction for small groups and individual students.

The Special Educator also supervises and supports Teaching Assistants and other staff working with students on their caseload. Students served typically present with mild to moderate disabilities across a range of learning profiles.

Key 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 within general education and pull-out settings
• Provide academic, organizational, and executive functioning support
• 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
• Plan and supervise assessment activities tailored to students with diverse learning needs

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 grade-level teams, PLCs, 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 classroom environments to meet diverse student needs
• 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
• 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: 

Temporary teacher in one position for longer than eight weeks (> 40 consecutive teaching days) and through the completion of the school year 

1.         $100.00 per day for day one through day five 
2.         $120 per day for day six and all other days during which substitute and teacher may work together to transition job  functions (length of transition time subject to approval of superintendent or designee) 
3.         At end of overlap (first day of independent coverage and all teacher responsibilities assumed), substitute is paid according to step and lane on the WTA salary scale up to but not exceeding $250.00 per day 

 

Work Schedule: October 01, 2026 - November 09, 2026

 

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.

WPS is an equal opportunity employer committed to the fullest extent to the principle of the dignity of all people and of their labors and will take action to ensure that any individual within the District who is responsible for hiring and/or personnel supervision understands that applicants are employed, assigned, and promoted without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, ancestry, military status, disability or pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant for a position is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability. WPS is proudly a member district of the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive and equitable educational community. WPS encourages candidates of all backgrounds and seeks applicants who prioritize and value diversity, equity, and belonging.