Preschool Special Education Mentor Teacher - Brooklyn/Manhattan

ADAPT Community Network • New York, NY

86d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

We are currently looking for a Preschool Mentor Teacher to support several of our Preschools: Primarily focused on our Manhattan and Brooklyn Schools. Below are the addresses of the schools the Mentor Teacher will be supporting: Manhattan Children's Program: 80 West End Ave New York, NY 10023, The Greenpoint School: 725 Leonard St Brooklyn, NY 11222, William O'Connor Midwood School: 1520 East 13th St Brooklyn, NY 11230. Under the general direction of the Director, the Mentor Teacher is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality educational instruction to students in Special Education and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Programs. This role involves planning and implementing individualized educational programs, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, and fostering a developmentally appropriate and inclusive classroom environment. The Mentor Teacher also serves as an instructional or teacher-team leader and professional development coach within the school building. They provide ongoing support, guidance, and modeling to teachers, assistant teachers, and student teachers to enhance instructional quality and student outcomes.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education required.
• New York State Certification in Special Education for Special Education Teachers.
• New York State Certification in Early Childhood Education or N-6 (for Day Care and UPK Teachers).
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of a personal computer and appropriate software.
• Good interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, children and their parents and outside contacts.
• Must maintain confidentiality of student’s records.
• Must maintain confidentiality of staff records.
• Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures.
• Passion for ADAPT's mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non-profit disability sector.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and adapt daily lessons and classroom activities based on students' developmental levels and individual education plans (IEPs).
• Develop and maintain both short- and long-term instructional goals and evaluate student progress regularly.
• Participate in student evaluations, intake assessments, and transition planning processes.
• Develop educational reports, including annual reviews, quarterly progress reports, and formal assessments in all developmental domains, where needed.
• Ensure that lesson plans and classroom materials are developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and accessible to all learners.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate student records, including attendance, data tracking, and anecdotal reports.
• Implement and support the classroom environment with evidence-based instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
• Provide mentoring, modeling, and instructional coaching to teachers and teacher assistants, fostering a culture of reflective practice and professional growth.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback aligned with agency expectations and instructional goals.
• Lead professional development initiatives, in-service training sessions, and orientation programs for new and existing staff.
• Collaborate with teachers to design and implement differentiated instructional strategies and individualized behavior supports.
• Support the professional development and supervision of student teachers and interns on Study Plans.
• Act as team leader for each student’s interdisciplinary team, facilitating collaboration and goal alignment.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, annual reviews, and other program-related committees.
• Maintain regular communication with the Director / Assistant Director and participate in weekly update meetings to discuss classroom performance, student progress, and staffing needs.
• Collaborate with related service providers, families, and other professionals to ensure cohesive educational planning and implementation.
• Oversee classroom setup, including furniture, materials, and adaptive equipment to optimize learning and ensure safety.
• Manage and requisition of classroom supplies and materials in accordance with budgetary procedures.
• Support arrival, dismissal, and transition routines; assist students with personal care needs including feeding, toileting, and dressing, as needed.
• Implement universal precautions and adhere to health and safety protocols as noted in Article 47.
• Substitute in other classrooms or support staff coverage when needed.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
• Contribute to curriculum development, lesson planning frameworks, and instructional resources aligned with state learning standards and agency goals.
• Support the implementation of inclusive practices.
• Stay informed of current trends and best practices in early childhood and special education through professional development, research, and continuing education.
• Promote the agency’s mission and advocate for the needs and dignity of students with disabilities.
• Contribute to Curriculum Committee meetings.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

Benefits

• Paid training.
• Competitive benefits.
• Foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees