Special Education Teacher

Solterra Academy•New Britain, CT

12d•$60,000 - $64,000•Onsite

About The Position

Solterra Academy provides comprehensive special education for students aged 5 to 22 who need intensive intervention for severe emotional, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and/or learning challenges. The school aims to provide a supportive, developmentally appropriate environment tailored to individual needs. The Special Education Teacher provides engaging, differentiated academic instruction across classroom subjects and collaborates with clinicians, administration, and classroom support staff to support student success. The role includes implementing students’ IEPs, tracking and assessing progress, communicating with families, and supporting students’ emotional and behavioral needs through behavior-management practices. The school-year schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, in person. Mandatory summer-session hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, in person. Starting salaries are $60,000+ for BA-level candidates and $64,000+ for MA-level candidates. A sign-on bonus is available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s-level candidates: BA degree in Special Education from an accredited college or university.
Master’s-level candidates: MA degree in Education from an accredited college or university.
DSAP-level candidates: BA degree from an accredited college or university, at least 12 credits in special education, and current enrollment in a SPED certification program.
BA- and MA-level candidates must hold a valid CT 165 certification from CT SDE.
CPR certification is required; training is provided by Solterra Academy.
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification is required; the first training course is provided after hire.
Some experience with the ED population is required.
Candidates are subject to pre-employment background screening, including drug testing based on the position description and job requirements; offers are contingent on successful completion.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience in a special education classroom is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare students’ individual goals and objectives in SMART format.
Implement the IEP as approved by the PPT.
Submit report cards and IEP progress marks by their due dates, proofing and editing them as needed.
Develop a system to track student progress on IEP goals.
Conduct academic assessments three times a year, such as Star 360, to track progress and inform IEP goals and objectives.
Prepare for and participate in PPTs.
Prepare for and participate in team meetings.
Develop written lesson plans and deliver engaging, differentiated academic lessons aligned with the Common Core State Standards for all classroom subjects.
Communicate daily with parents or guardians through home notes, email, or phone calls.
Implement PBIS practices with fidelity.
Use TCI strategies to support students emotionally and behaviorally.
Implement students’ BIPs throughout the school day.
Set limits and maintain personal boundaries.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interactions with students and families.