About this role
Position: Extended Term Substitute, Teacher Special Educator
Available October 2026 through February 2027
Rindge Ave Upper School/Office of Student Services
Rindge Avenue Upper School Community
Rindge Avenue Upper School is a dynamic middle school energized by our collaboratively created school
improvement plan. Our vision is rooted in the district goals for all Upper Schools: academic excellence and social justice for all students. We are also deeply committed to becoming a more culturally responsive learning institution and work to maintain an equity lens on all we do. We believe we can achieve our goals by grounding our school in our deeply shared core values, created together by staff, students, and families: Reflect, Aim high, seek Unity, and have Compassion.
Having these values at our center empowers us to learn, take risks, and grow together in a safe and nurturing environment. Students, teachers, and families share responsibility for creating an inclusive community. We stay true to our values by reflecting regularly and repairing the community when needed. Everyone has access to an excellent education, and everyone is equally valued, respected, and accepted for who they are.
The Office of Student Services (OSS)
The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of support and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.
The Opportunity
The ETS, Special Educator is responsible for providing specially designed instruction to students with disabilities in both general education settings and separate special education settings. The Special Educator will work collaboratively with general education, special education, and related services staff to ensure that students with disabilities achieve positive educational outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct special education services to students with disabilities
- Provide explicit instruction and/or support in reading/literacy, math, written language, and social-emotional behavior
- Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data collection tools
- Develop Individualized Education Programs for students based on various types of data specific to the students' present levels of functioning and performance
- Provide instruction to students using systematic, structured, and multisensory approaches to learning
- Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff
- Administer formal and informal assessments and analyze data to inform decisions regarding IEP goals/objectives, learning approaches/content, and support
- Accommodate and modify for student learning, and support the general education teacher with the implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting
- Any related duties as outlined by the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Director, and/or Coordinator of the Office of Student Services with mild/moderate special needs
Your Skill Set
As the incoming Special Educator, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:
- Broad knowledge and experience of programs and services specific to students' areas of eligibility (i.e, autism, academic, behavior, learning, etc.)
- Above-average skills in collaboration
- Excellent skills in oral and written communication
- Demonstrated ability in collaborating and supporting parents and families
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve
- Demonstrated understanding of inclusive educational practices, including various co-teaching approaches
- General knowledge of various formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and skills
- General knowledge of state and federal special education guidelines and requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in Special Education required, Master's preferred, concentration in learning disabilities preferred
- Massachusetts Certification of students with mild/moderate or severe special needs preferred
- Experience teaching or student teaching in urban environments
- Specialized training/certification in a foundational reading program such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading
How to Join Our Team
Apply online at www.cpsd.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.
At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.