Special Education Teacher Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Proficiency in assessment methods and data interpretation.
• Ability to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English language learners.
• Experience in specialized instruction and remediation.
• Knowledge of child development and behavior management.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Connecticut and federal special education regulations.
• Proficiency in instructional strategies and use of technology.
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to confidentiality.
• Willingness to engage in professional development.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Must hold or be eligible for Connecticut State certification in Special Education (065, 165).

Nice To Haves

• Successful experience as a special education teacher preferred.
• Second language or language acquisition background preferred.
• Experience working with culturally and economically diverse students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops short- and long-range instructional plans aligned with curriculum goals, student IEPs, transition needs, and learning theory.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current legislation, regulations, policies, and ethical practices related to special education services.
• Understands characteristics and learning needs of students with significant cognitive, developmental, communication, behavioral, emotional, and physical disabilities.
• Plans and implements instruction in functional academics, daily living skills, communication, vocational readiness, recreation/leisure, self-advocacy, community participation, and social skills.
• Adapts curriculum and instructional materials to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
• Utilizes specialized materials, adaptive equipment, visual supports, sensory supports, and assistive technology to maximize student independence and access to learning.
• Maintains curriculum resources and inventories assistive/adaptive technology and instructional materials.
• Plans and prepares for PPT/IEP meetings and collaborates with related service providers and families regarding student programming and progress.
• Implements effective classroom management strategies, including positive behavioral supports, de-escalation techniques, and individualized behavior intervention plans.
• Creates predictable routines, schedules, and transitions that support student learning and independence.
• Develops a classroom culture focused on respect, inclusion, engagement, and student success.
• Utilizes visual schedules, sensory supports, communication systems, and assistive technology to support student participation.
• Provides supervision, training, and direction to paraprofessional staff.
• Collaborates regularly with teachers, therapists, related service providers, and families to ensure consistency in supports and programming.
• Maintains classroom environments that support student safety, mobility, communication, and independence.
• Implements differentiated and individualized instruction appropriate to student age, developmental level, and functional abilities.
• Uses research-based instructional strategies to teach functional academics, daily living skills, communication, self-regulation, vocational readiness, and social skills.
• Incorporates community-based instruction and real-life learning opportunities when appropriate.
• Uses instructional time effectively while integrating related services into daily instruction.
• Implements accommodations and modifications aligned with student IEPs and assessment requirements.
• Utilizes a variety of formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and guide instruction.
• Collects, analyzes, and maintains accurate student data and progress monitoring documentation.
• Participates in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans and functional behavioral assessments.
• Effectively utilizes computerized and web-based systems for IEP documentation, progress monitoring, communication, and instructional planning.
• Maintains frequent and culturally responsive communication with families regarding student progress and programming.
• Collaborates with community agencies, outside providers, and transition/vocational programs to support student needs.
• Participates in professional development related to special education, life skills instruction, behavior management, communication systems, and transition programming.
• Serves as an advocate and positive role model for students with disabilities.
• Participates in PPT/IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, annual reviews, behavior support meetings, and staff meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates professionalism in all interactions.
• Completes formal evaluations for assigned paraprofessional staff under the supervision of administration.
• Adheres to all district policies, procedures, and expectations regarding professionalism, punctuality, and attendance.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by administration.

Benefits

• Salary and wages are paid in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between NEA Danbury and the Danbury Board of Education.