A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
Special Education Teacher- CARES Repost
Ipswich Public School District
Paul F. Doyon Memorial School - Ipswich, Massachusetts This job is also posted in Ipswich Public Schools
Job Details
Job ID:
5832618
Application Deadline:
Posted until filled
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Aug 31, 2026
Job Description
CARES Program (Grades K-5)
Paul F. Doyon Memorial School
Position Overview
The Paul F. Doyon Memorial School is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and collaborative Special Education Teacher to lead the CARES Program, a therapeutic classroom serving students in grades Kindergarten through 5 with significant social-emotional and behavioral learning needs. The CARES Program provides a structured, supportive, and trauma-sensitive environment designed to help students build emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, and academic success.
The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of social-emotional learning, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic classroom practices, with the ability to foster positive relationships and create a safe, predictable learning environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement individualized academic and behavioral programming aligned with students' IEP goals and Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.
Provide specialized instruction and therapeutic support for students with social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.
Create and maintain a structured, trauma-informed classroom environment that promotes emotional safety, self-regulation, and positive peer interactions.
Implement evidence-based behavioral and social-emotional interventions, including de-escalation strategies, restorative practices, and positive behavior supports.
Collaborate with school adjustment counselors, psychologists, behavior specialists, related service providers, and families to support student success.
Support students in developing coping skills, problem-solving abilities, self-regulation, self-advocacy, emotional awareness, and executive functioning skills.
Monitor and document student progress, behavioral data, and intervention outcomes to inform instruction and support plans.
Facilitate crisis prevention and intervention strategies when needed while maintaining student dignity and safety.
Participate actively in IEP meetings, student support meetings, and multidisciplinary team collaboration.
Provide supervision, guidance, and support to paraprofessional staff assigned to the program.
Maintain compliance with all special education regulations, documentation requirements, and district procedures.
Qualifications
Massachusetts licensure in Special Education (Moderate Disabilities preferred).
Experience working with students with social-emotional and behavioral challenges in an elementary school setting.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), and social-emotional learning frameworks.
Strong classroom management and crisis prevention/intervention skills.
Experience developing and implementing individualized behavioral and academic supports.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
CPI, Safety Care, or similar behavioral/safety training preferred.
Preferred Characteristics
Calm, patient, and relationship-centered approach.
Ability to build trust and rapport with students and families.
Strong problem-solving and reflective practice skills.
Commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Flexibility, resilience, and a collaborative mindset.
About the CARES Program
The CARES Program at Paul F. Doyon Memorial School is a therapeutic classroom designed to support students in grades K-5 with significant social-emotional and behavioral needs. The program combines individualized academic instruction with therapeutic and behavioral supports to help students develop emotional regulation, positive coping skills, social competencies, and readiness for learning. The CARES team works closely with families and multidisciplinary staff to support each student's overall growth and success.
