Special Education Teacher - JES

Position Type:

Special Education Teacher/Special Education Teacher

Date Posted:

6/24/2024

Location:

Judson Elementary School

Date Available:

08/22/2024

Closing Date:

07/16/2024

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Special Education Teacher

Position Title: Special Education Teacher

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Classroom

Location: Judson Elementary School

Position Reports To: Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services and

Building Administrator

Job ID: #2063

Internal Close Date: July 1, 2024

External Close Date: July 16, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: Upon Completion of Onboarding; Contractual year begins July 1; First day

of school year is August 22, 2024

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Teacher to lead our elementary-level autism spectrum disorder (ASD) classroom. The ideal candidate will have expertise in working with students on the autism spectrum and a passion for helping them reach their full potential.

Required Certifications

Current State of Connecticut Teaching Certificate #065, #165 or #265

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education; Master's degree preferred

• Valid state teaching license with Special Education (autism endorsements preferred but not required)

• 2+ years of experience teaching students with autism spectrum disorders preferred

• In-depth knowledge of evidence-based practices for teaching students with ASD and/or developmental disabilities

• Strong skills in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other autism-specific interventions

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Patience, creativity, and ability to build positive relationships with students

Essential Skills, Knowledge Performance Abilities

Instructional Planning and Delivery

• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with ASD and other developmental disabilities

• Prepare and deliver engaging, interactive lessons designed to ensure all students reach their potential

• Create individualized and specific lesson plans addressing core academic subjects, social skills, communication, and life skills

• Provide differentiated and integrated instruction across all academic content areas

• Incorporate social-emotional learning objectives into lesson plans

• Implement evidence-based strategies and utilize trauma-informed teaching practices

• Adapt the learning environment to meet sensory needs of students with ASD

• Utilize visual supports, structured teaching methods, and assistive technology appropriate for students with ASD

Student Support and Case Management

• Case manage the development and implementation of IEPs for assigned students

• Conduct diagnostic evaluations to identify learning issues and social-behavioral needs

• Observe, collect data, and evaluate students' progress toward achieving IEP goals and objectives

• Create and coordinate student schedules with behavior technicians, paraeducators, related services providers, and general educators

• Implement effective behavioral strategies, positive behavior support, and crisis intervention techniques as needed

• Modify and accommodate for students with special needs to facilitate their access to classroom instruction, activities, field trips, and recreational opportunities

Collaboration and Communication

• Work effectively with a multidisciplinary team of professionals to coordinate appropriate services

• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion and mainstream opportunities

• Assist teaching staff in implementing students' IEPs and behavior management plans

• Direct, schedule, and assist in training paraprofessional staff to support students' learning

• Encourage parental involvement and ensure effective communication with students and parents/guardians

• Prepare and share reports on students' performance and progress

• Classroom and School Culture

• Work to create a positive classroom and school culture

• Implement effective behavioral strategies and techniques as needed

• Provide guidance and training to classroom aides and paraprofessionals

Professional Development and Expertise

• Engage in continued growth through professional learning focused on best practices for students with ASD

• Develop familiarity with assistive technology and alternative communication systems

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of student progress

• Stay current with special education laws, regulations, and best practices

The successful candidate will join our collaborative team in creating a supportive, structured learning environment where students with ASD can thrive academically and socially. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with autism or developmental disabilities, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Duties

• This position reports to the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services

• Perform all other duties that may be assigned by the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services and/or the Building Administrator

Terms of Employment

Commensurate with working agreement between the Watertown Board of Education and the Watertown Education Association

Work Schedule

• Monday

• Friday

• Time: 8:25am

• 3:35pm

All application materials must be submitted online, through Applitrack; should you have any difficulty in submitting your online application please contact (860)945-4813.

• District reserves the right to close the posting if a suitable candidate is found prior to the external closing date.

Attachment(s):

• #2063 Special Education Teacher

• JES .pdf