Special Education Teacher

AREA COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES • Hamden, CT

6d • $54,987 - $80,015 • Onsite

About The Position

ACES Brightwell Academy is a specialized educational program designed to serve students with autism who have diverse learning profiles and require a highly structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment. The program focuses on rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, student engagement, and transitional programming that support students throughout credit acquisition and beyond credit completion, all aligned with earning a high school diploma. Students at Brightwell Academy benefit from a personalized and relationship-based setting where instruction is individualized and strengths-based. The program emphasizes academic growth, social communication, executive functioning, independence, and career readiness. Students are supported in developing pathways toward postsecondary education, employment, and community participation while maintaining access to a diploma-aligned curriculum. Instruction integrates core academic subjects, including science, mathematics, reading, writing, and social studies, with project-based learning, career readiness, life skills, physical education, health and wellness, vocational exploration, and community-based learning experiences. Social-emotional learning is embedded throughout the program and supported by wraparound services, including school-based social work, related services, and community partnerships. Transitional planning and reintegration services are provided during enrollment and continue for up to six months following graduation or return to a local school placement, with a focus on academic continuity and community support.

Requirements

• Valid Connecticut teaching certification in Special Education, such as Comprehensive Special Education grades K to 12 or appropriate endorsement aligned to the student population served.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Connecticut special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and Section 504.
• Experience with individualized education program development, implementation, and evaluation in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with students with autism who have diverse learning profiles in a specialized or therapeutic school setting.
• Strong background in social emotional learning, transition planning, and engagement strategies.
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, related service providers, and administrators.
• Commitment to culturally responsive practices and educational equity.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction aligned with Connecticut academic standards and individualized education program goals for students with autism.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized education programs, including academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and transition goals.
• Support students during credit acquisition and post-credit programming with an emphasis on transition planning, independence, and postsecondary readiness.
• Collaborate with content area teachers to design inclusive, rigorous, and engaging academic experiences while providing tiered interventions and accommodations.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, executive functioning skills, and engagement strategies into daily instruction.
• Use data to inform instruction, progress monitoring, and program adjustments.
• Participate actively in professional learning communities, team planning meetings, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Communicate regularly with families, case managers, and community partners to support student progress and transitions.
• Support reintegration and transition services for students returning to local schools or graduating, including follow-up academic and community support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level