Interim One-Year Grade 8 Special Education Resource Teacher Currently at CHMS (26-27 SY)

About the Role

To provide an innovative and creative learning environment which fosters students' individual growth and development in all program areas.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement academic and clinical IEP goals through continuous assessment of each student.
• Develop and implement an integrated curriculum by sharing ideas, materials, and methods with professional colleagues.
• Assess students' abilities and craft teaching plans; plan daily lessons to provide a variety of learning experiences.
• Find engaging activities to teach skills (e.g., drawing and theater drama).
• Vary instructional material and activities through a multi-modality approach.
• Develop and implement an effective behavior management program that meets the overall goals of the program.
• Manage classroom crises and resolve conflicts.
• Monitor children's behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed.
• Maintain appropriate student records and submit required reports within a designated time period.
• Work cooperatively with parents to maintain ongoing communication and provide support and resources when necessary.
• Adapt learning materials to students' needs.
• Perform educational testing and evaluations to assess students' needs.
• Actively participate in a transdisciplinary model and demonstrate strong collaboration skills.
• Integrate clinical group goals and objectives into the educational curricula.
• Actively participate in staff development activities to foster professional and personal growth.
• Develop student awareness and self-respect by fostering experiences that encourage students to achieve realistic and personal goals.
• Prepare students for transition to the next grade.
• Inform parents about their children's performance and potential problems.
• Participate in ongoing performance evaluations.
• Serve on faculty and curriculum committees.
• Implement individual education programs for special needs students.
• Supervise classroom and students (aides, volunteers, and parent helpers where appropriate).
• Coach/mentor other professionals who work with children with disabilities.
• Collaborate with support staff (e.g., school counselors and speech therapists) to create holistic intervention plans.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Special Education Teacher or relevant role.
• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies.
• Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities.
• Ability to create IEPs.
• Patient, resourceful, and resilient personality.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Education and Experience

• BS in Special Education; MS is a plus.
• Additional credits required for completion of certification requirements.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Connecticut Teaching Certificate, 165 Comprehensive Special Education, K-12.
• PMT TRAINING WILL BE REQUIRED AND PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write memos, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, and the general public.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations and apply concepts of algebra and geometry.
• Basic knowledge and experience with standard hardware and software applications.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents.

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to stand, talk, and hear, and occasionally walk, sit, push, or lift up to fifty pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.

Salary: As per negotiated BFT Contract

Start Date: 2026-2027 School Year

Contract Duration: One Year