Special Education Teachers

AREA COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES•Shelton, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

ACES is seeking special education teachers who are looking to do meaningful, team-based work with Pre-K through grade 1 students in our autism programs at the ACES Perry Hill NEST within Perry Hill School in Shelton, CT. This is not a traditional classroom role. Our Perry Hill NEST (Nurturing Early Support and Transition) program is built around early, intensive intervention and a shared commitment to getting it right for students at a critical point in their development. The work is thoughtfully structured and highly individualized. Collaboration and implementation occur through a team-based approach that includes the special education teacher, BCBA, and speech-language pathologist. ACES Perry Hill NEST is a regional, ABA-based program designed for students with autism and related disabilities. The focus is on building communication, social, and learning readiness skills through instruction embedded in everyday classroom routines. The goal is to help students develop the foundational skills they need to successfully transition into Pre-K, Kindergarten, and early elementary settings. This is a language-rich, highly supported environment where instruction is intentional and consistent across the entire team. We are also continuing to grow the program, with expansion into first grade beginning in ESY 2026. Classrooms are co-led by a Special Education Teacher and a BCBA, with shared responsibility for IEP development, programming, and instructional decision-making The special education teacher serves as a key instructional leader in the classroom, providing guidance, direction, and ongoing support to multiple Behavior Technicians implementing student programming Each student is supported by a dedicated Behavior Technologist, allowing for a high level of individualized instruction Class sizes are intentionally small, with morning, afternoon, and full-day programming options Instruction targets academic, social, behavioral, and adaptive skills, with a strong focus on functional independence The work is supported by a transdisciplinary team, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists

Requirements

Have experience working with students with complex learning and behavioral needs, including autism
Experience managing multiple staff working together in a classroom setting
Understand how to adapt curriculum, differentiate instruction, and create structured, predictable learning environments
Can build strong, respectful relationships with students, families, and team members
Are comfortable providing clear direction and feedback to support staff within a collaborative model
Bring a mindset of continuous learning and reflection to their practice
CT Special Education Certification (065, 165, or 265) required
Valid Connecticut Certification in Special Education and/or other related area