Long Term Substitute for Autism Specific Classroom Teacher

About the Position:

Southbridge is a district on the rise, and as a long-term substitute in our middle school autism classroom, you’ll be part of the reason why. You’ll work in a school led by the 2026 Massachusetts Middle School Principal of the Year, alongside a colleague who received the state’s only Milken Educator Award in 2025. The national Center on PBIS has published a series of briefs on our work, including how we built strong Tier 2 and Tier 3 systems that improved students’ access to interventions and their outcomes. Most importantly, you won’t be figuring it out alone. You’ll join special educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers who are ready to collaborate and do whatever it takes to meet the needs of kids. In a close-knit district like ours, you’ll get to know your students and their families quickly and see their progress up close: a new word, a smoother transition, a skill that finally clicks. If you want work that matters every day, with a team that has your back, this is the place to do it.

More information about the district’s turnaround efforts can be found here.

POSITION: Long Term Substitute for Autism Specific Classroom

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

DATES OF COVERAGE: As soon as possible until January 31, 2026 (Potential for extension)


Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver individualized instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals and district curriculum, using a variety of research-based strategies and instructional materials.
• Create a structured, predictable, and engaging classroom environment suited to the developmental needs and interests of students with autism.
• Implement positive behavior supports, consistent with the district’s PBIS framework, to promote a safe and motivating learning environment in the classroom and throughout the school.
• Collect and analyze data from multiple sources to monitor progress across academic, communication, social, behavioral, motor, and functional/vocational goals, and use that data to guide instruction.
• Support students in generalizing academic and social skills across settings, including general education environments and the broader school community.
• Serve as case manager for assigned students: write IEPs and progress reports, lead Team meetings and Annual Reviews, and keep accurate records as required by law and district policy.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, special educators, related service providers, and administrators as an active member of the student support Team.
• Communicate regularly with families and outside providers about student progress and needs.
• Supervise, schedule, and guide classroom paraprofessionals, and coordinate student and staff schedules to ensure IEP services are delivered.
• Take all reasonable precautions to protect the safety of students, staff, equipment, and facilities.
• Participate in professional development, the contractual evaluation process, staff meetings, and school events (e.g., Back to School Night, Open House) as outlined in the teachers’ contract.

Perform other duties as reasonably required.

QUALIFICATIONS-REQUIRED:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution;
2. Hold a valid Massachusetts Teaching License inTeacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8 OR Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, All Levels.
3. Hold a valid Massachusetts SEI Endorsement OR Grade-level appropriate ESL License;
4. Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS-PREFERRED:

1. Experience in urban, high-poverty, and/or turnaround schools;
2. The applicant should have knowledge and/or experience with students with moderate to severe needs.

*Pay is negotiable based on certification and experience

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southbridge Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, religion, age, or sexual orientation.