Special Education Teacher (Powder Mill Campus, Beltsville, MD)

Kennedy Krieger Institute•Beltsville, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher teaches a varied population of students in a full-day, non-public setting at the Powder Mill campus in Beltsville, Maryland. The teacher implements each student’s IEP, adapting instruction to students’ academic, medical, developmental, and technological needs, and follows the curriculum identified by MSDE. The role supports the Kennedy Krieger Institute mission by helping students achieve their potential and participate as fully as possible in family, school, and community life while providing safe, effective, high-quality care. The Powder Mill campus serves students in grades 2–8 who are working toward a high school diploma and students aged 7–21 who are seeking a certificate of completion. The teacher establishes an orderly, learning-conducive classroom; works with families, classroom staff, and IEP team members; plans and delivers instruction using special education strategies and data; and participates in school committees and projects. PCM training is provided by the department, and the employee must attain and maintain Practitioner-level certification or higher according to departmental policy.

Requirements

Eligibility for an MSDE Special Education Certificate in Infant–Grade 3, Grades 1–8, or Grades 6–Adult, as applicable to the teacher’s assignment.
For Special Education Teacher I: bachelor’s degree in Special Education or an appropriate content area.
For Special Education Teacher II: master’s degree in Special Education or an appropriate content area.
For Special Education Teacher III: master’s degree in Special Education or an appropriate content area, plus 30 additional academic credits.
For Special Education Teacher IV: master’s degree in Special Education or an appropriate content area, plus 60 or more additional academic credits; this may include a PhD or EdD.
A teacher holding a Maryland Conditional Certificate in Special Education must complete all requirements on the MSDE evaluation for a Professional Special Education Certificate.
Must achieve and maintain PCM certification at the Practitioner level or higher within the timeline established by departmental policy.

Nice To Haves

Previous teaching experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Maintain an orderly, learning-conducive classroom with clear materials and routines that support effective management of students and classroom staff.
Collaborate with parents and guardians to involve them in student learning; coordinate with classroom staff and student and IEP team members; and participate in the professional learning community.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and guardians, including facilitating and participating in meetings and in-services while considering students’ disability-related needs.
Provide clear expectations and specific feedback through professional, concise written and spoken communication.
Use appropriate special education practices and strategies to create effective, engaging lessons and solve instructional challenges creatively, including through technology suited to the content and students’ prior knowledge.
Use comprehensive formative and summative data collection to inform instruction.
Recognize student strengths and needs, provide appropriate accommodations and learning opportunities, and use verbal and non-verbal praise while maintaining appropriately high expectations.
Plan instruction using IEP goals and formal and informal assessment data, selecting special education strategies and modalities suited to students’ needs.
Develop measurable short- and long-term plans aligned with content, curriculum, and state standards, incorporating technology and multidisciplinary input.
Participate in school-based committees and special projects, and provide mentorship to colleagues as appropriate.
Complete department-provided PCM training and achieve and maintain certification at the Practitioner level or higher within the departmental timeline.