2026-2027 SY: Teacher - Special Education (PreK)

Santa Fe Public Schools•Santa Fe, NM

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher at NYE Early Childhood Center teaches Pre-K students by creating a flexible program and an environment favorable to learning and personal growth. The teacher helps students develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge for continuous growth, provides learning experiences that integrate affective, cognitive, and psychomotor dimensions, establishes effective rapport with students and parents, and supports students in developing positive feelings toward themselves and others. The teacher plans and implements instruction responsive to students’ individual needs, interests, abilities, and IEPs; guides learning toward curriculum goals; evaluates and documents student progress; and maintains communication with students and parents about academic, social, and behavioral development. The role collaborates with Head Start and Growing Up NM teachers and staff, participates in IEP meetings and professional development, and supervises classroom aides and other assigned personnel. Work is primarily in school settings and may also require working remotely.

Requirements

Four-year degree.
Valid New Mexico PreK-12 Special Education license, or ability to obtain the required license with required endorsements.
Demonstrated general knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
Ability to perform routine tasks and follow specific instructions with little or no previous experience.
Ability to motivate and relate to students, parents, and others.
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, parents, students, and the community.
Verbal and written communication skills, including communicating a positive attitude and making 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.
Demonstrated ability to produce results through completion of previous assignments.
Demonstrated leadership skills and desire to lead.
Ability to establish and maintain a favorable working and learning atmosphere.
Ability to demonstrate actions that support the District and its mission.
Knowledge of curriculum, instructional strategies and procedures, and state and federal statutes.
Knowledge of technology as it relates to education.
Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning District, student, and family information.
Sensitivity to and respect for diversity.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and private automobile.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including standing and moving throughout a facility; handling objects, tools, or controls; reaching; frequently stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; occasionally sitting, climbing, balancing, and driving; and potentially lifting up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Cooperate in developing and implementing the District program of instruction.
Plan and implement a program of study that addresses students’ individual needs, interests, abilities, State Department of Education standards, SFPS Board of Education goals and objectives, and individual IEP plans.
Guide the learning process toward curriculum goals and establish and communicate clear objectives for lessons, assignments, units, and projects.
Collaborate with the Head Start classroom teacher and Growing Up NM teachers and staff.
Use instructional methods and materials appropriate to the stated objectives.
Establish and maintain appropriate student behavior and discipline in accordance with the school handbook and student IEP plans, supporting a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom and across campus.
Evaluate student learning regularly, maintain documentation of progress in IEPs, assess student accomplishments, and provide required progress reports.
Prescribe effective learning programs and initiate referrals to appropriate personnel when concerns arise.
Administer standardized tests in accordance with the District testing program.
Maintain open communication with students and parents about students’ academic, social, and behavioral progress.
Provide developmentally appropriate practices supporting Essential Indicators and Pre-K standards.
Meet and instruct assigned classes at designated locations and times.
Select and request appropriate books and instructional materials and maintain required inventory records.
Plan for and supervise classroom aides, guests, and volunteers, and direct assigned classroom Educational Assistants.
Cooperate with staff and support personnel in assessing and assisting students with health, attitude, learning, and behavioral problems.
Participate in all IEP meetings and ensure IEP educational goals are met in the classroom.
Provide directions and materials for substitute teachers.
Participate in SFPS Pre-K professional development.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Perform duties in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, and facility and computer security policies and procedures.