Special Education Teacher - Desert Trails (Social/Emotional Program) 2026-2027 SY

Rio Rancho Public Schools•Rio Rancho, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This job posting is for the 2026-2027 school year for a 190-day contract position at Desert Trails (Social/Emotional Program) within RRPS Special Services- Desert Programs. The Special Education Teacher will coordinate the teaching program with site-based goals and district-wide objectives, instruct students in various developmental areas, and ensure Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) are completed. The role involves assisting students with special needs, planning and directing educational assistants, and instructing students in one-on-one and small group settings. Communication with staff and parents, arranging the classroom environment for optimal learning and safety, and providing curriculum delivery are key responsibilities. The teacher will also utilize conflict resolution skills, maintain a positive classroom environment, develop goals for student achievement, and maintain documentation for accountability. This position requires adherence to the New Mexico Administrative Code and RRPS Employee Standards of Conduct.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Current New Mexico Department of Education license appropriate to the teaching assignment with applicable endorsements or ability to obtain proper licensure within 90 days of hire
Efficient organizational ability
Professional written and oral communication skills
Ability to maintain high level of professionalism and confidentiality regarding students, staff, parents, and school matters

Responsibilities

Coordinates teaching program with site-based goals and district wide objectives
Instructs and assists students in motor, language, socio-emotional and cognitive development
Assures that goals and objectives in Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) are completed
Assists students with special needs, such as feeding, moving non-ambulatory students, bathroom assistance, diapering, and bathing
Plans and directs instruction activities of educational assistants
Instructs students in one-on-one activities and in small groups
Provides regular communication with educational assistants, ancillary staff and regular education teachers on student progress
Arranges physical environment of the classroom for optimum learning and safety of students
Provides accurate delivery of curriculum to students within the scope of teaching assignment
Uses and applies appropriate conflict resolution skills with students
Maintains positive attitude and ensures classroom environment is conducive to student learning
Develops goals and objectives for self, grade level/content group and student academic achievement
Maintains documentation to assure accountability
Provides appropriate instructional classroom activities for students
Maintains order in the assigned classroom
Maintains records of student performance and attendance
Completes required reports and report cards within prescribed time frames
Attends staff meetings and in-service training activities and school activities in compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Demonstrates the competencies as required by Regulation Title 6, Chapter 69, Part 4.12 New Mexico Administrative Code Performance Evaluation System Requirements for Teachers and effectiveness as required by Regulation Title 6, Chapter 69, Part 8 of the New Mexico Administrative Code Teacher and School Leader Effectiveness
Complies with state-approved New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession and the RRPS Employee Standards of Conduct and upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives and regulations, school board policies, and local, state and federal regulations
Employee may be assigned other duties based on the needs of the district during the term of employment