Special Education Teacher - Program Coordinator

Wethersfield Public Schools•Wethersfield, CT

16h

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher & Program Coordinator will lead Wethersfield Transition Academy, a community-based public transition school serving students aged 18–21. Educational and vocational practice services take place in the classroom and at integrated community locations. Under the direction of the Director of Special Services, the teacher develops individualized goals and lesson plans based on student IEPs, with a focus on transitional skills across classroom and community settings. The role also implements behavior plans and supports staff working with students who have developmental disorders, social deficits, and behavioral challenges. The teacher collaborates with school administrators, DDS/BRS providers, paraprofessionals, families, community providers, and the school district.

Requirements

Appropriate Connecticut Special Education certification (165) is required.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and the community.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
Ability to meet deadlines under severe time constraints.
Ability to handle and treat information confidentially.
Ability to plan and organize a work schedule and set priorities.
Ability to work independently and efficiently.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Prepare lesson plans and creative teaching and learning activities that reflect sound teaching principles and meet students’ physical, emotional, and educational needs.
Teach educational, social, behavioral, daily living, vocational, and recreational skills, adapting materials and methods to students’ learning styles.
Be directly responsible for students’ safety, well-being, and work output.
Maintain a classroom environment that supports the instructional program and individual student needs.
Build professional relationships with parents and caregivers and communicate with them about student progress through written, email, and/or telephone communications.
Evaluate student progress through ongoing and periodic assessments, including diagnostic tests, informal rating scales, observations, and other appropriate methods.
Supervise and train classroom paraprofessionals and job coaches, and organize activities for them to implement.
Consult and collaborate with related service providers, community work sites and agencies, teachers, therapists, directors, and other school professionals to develop programming and resolve student issues.
Maintain and develop appropriate school- and community-based work sites for students.
Complete annual individual educational plans accurately and thoroughly, on time, and with input from parents and related service providers.
Participate in PPT meetings by presenting students’ current performance levels and formulating annual goals and objectives.
Perform related work and other duties as required.