Special Education Vocational Teacher

Solterra Academy•New Britain, CT

3d•$60,000 - $64,000•Onsite

About The Position

Solterra Academy is seeking a full-time, exempt Special Education Vocational Teacher to design and deliver pre-vocational, vocational, and career-readiness experiences for students ages 5 to 22 who require intensive intervention due to emotional, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and/or learning challenges. The role focuses on life skills, career exploration, employment readiness, and transition planning in a safe, supportive learning environment using PBIS and TCI practices. The position is in person and requires a year-round commitment during the regular school year and mandatory summer session; summer-only employment is not offered. The school-year schedule is Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The summer schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Candidates must be willing and able to obtain a Public Service license to drive students to and from work sites and on field trips in a school van. A sign-on bonus is available. Starting salary is $60,000+ for BA-level candidates and $64,000+ for MA-level candidates. 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 of the background check.

Requirements

Bachelor’s-level candidates must have a BA degree in Special Education from an accredited college or university.
Master’s-level candidates must have an MA degree in Education from an accredited college or university.
DSAP-level candidates must have a 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.
At least one year of experience in a special education classroom is preferred; some experience with the ED population is required.
CPR certification is required; training is provided by Solterra Academy.
Certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention is required; the first training course is provided after hire.
Must be willing and able to obtain a Public Service license to drive students in a school van.
Must participate in the summer session, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Develop and implement IEP goals and objectives using SMART criteria.
Track and document student progress toward vocational and transition goals.
Collaborate with students, families, school teams, and external agencies (LEA, BRS, DDS) to develop Individual Transition Plans (ITPs).
Prepare for and participate in PPTs and team meetings.
Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated instruction in life skills, career exploration, and employment skills.
Complete behavioral incident reports and restraint/seclusion documentation in a timely manner.
Supervise vocational support staff, job coaches, and classroom assistants.
Provide feedback and communicate concerns to administration as needed.
Oversee the collection and entry of academic and behavioral data.
Support Solterra Academy’s mission, vision, and programmatic growth.
Supervise community-based vocational placements in collaboration with families and the Community Placement Liaison.
Implement PBIS and TCI strategies with fidelity.
Follow and support student Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Drive students to and from work sites and field trips in a school van after obtaining a Public Service license.