2026-2027 SY: Teacher - Special Education (Life Skills)

Santa Fe Public Schools•Santa Fe, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher - Special Education (Life Skills) provides direct instruction to students receiving special education services to support their social, emotional, behavioral, and academic development. The teacher instructs students in inclusive and separate settings for the time designated in each student’s IEP and by the school administrator, teaches district-approved curriculum, and adapts instruction to students’ individual needs and capabilities. The role includes developing, implementing, and monitoring each assigned student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP); collecting and maintaining progress data and records; communicating student progress with families and school personnel; participating in conferences and annual IEP reviews; and coordinating with related-service staff, paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers. The teacher maintains an orderly and supportive learning environment, follows applicable district, state, and federal requirements, and handles district, student, and family information confidentially. This is a nine-month position at Ramirez Thomas Elementary. The schedule is seven hours per day. Most work is indoors, though travel between locations may be necessary. The environment may involve irregular hours and days, frequent interruptions and noise, and possible exposure to bodily fluids. The role may require working with students or equipment related to hygiene, toileting, feeding, or therapy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
New Mexico Special Education teaching license; the position lists NMPED Pre K-12 Special Education licensure.
General knowledge of curriculum and instruction, instructional strategies, procedures, and applicable state and federal statutes.
Ability to motivate and relate positively to students, parents, staff, and the community, and to develop and maintain professional relationships.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate a positive attitude and make presentations.
Ability to function as a professional team member.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Professional management skills, including planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating.
Ability to produce results, demonstrate leadership, and establish and maintain a favorable working and learning atmosphere.
Knowledge of technology as it relates to education.
Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning district, student, and family information.
Sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Ability to meet the role’s physical and cognitive demands, including continuous speaking, hearing, and visual effort; frequent walking, sitting, standing, and reaching; occasional climbing, kneeling, and transporting up to 50 pounds; and sustained concentration.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a student-teaching or internship program.
At least one year of previous teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Meet and instruct assigned students in inclusive and separate settings for the time designated in the IEP and by the school administrator.
Provide direct instruction to meet students’ IEP annual goals and short-term objectives, as well as general curriculum goals and objectives.
Teach district-approved curriculum and adapt it to individual student needs through lesson plans, instructional materials, and individualized or small-group instruction.
Document and communicate student progress to parents, classroom teachers, and other appropriate personnel; participate in parent-teacher conferences.
Maintain an orderly and effective learning environment using appropriate teaching and classroom-management practices.
Evaluate students’ academic and social growth, maintain records, and prepare progress reports.
Collect and maintain ongoing student data for progress monitoring, quarterly reporting, reevaluation, and instructional decision-making; use assessment data to inform instruction and IEP implementation.
Develop and implement IEPs for assigned students; prepare draft IEPs and progress notes for annual reviews and participate in IEP meetings.
Participate in interdisciplinary conferences with school staff, community personnel, parents, and students when appropriate.
Identify student needs, make appropriate referrals, and seek related services needed to support IEP goals and objectives.
Maintain required records and documentation in accordance with federal, state, and district requirements and procedures.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, teachers, related-services personnel, and support staff.
Communicate regularly with parents outside the normal classroom day and be available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
Plan and coordinate classroom and field-trip work of paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers; supervise educational assistants and volunteers and provide evaluative performance data.
Maintain student behavior standards and create a supportive learning atmosphere, including through functional displays, interest centers, and exhibitions of student work.