Special Education Teacher

The Newington Public Schools is dedicated to recruiting, hiring, growing and retaining a culturally diverse workforce that represents the racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our community. We value and strive for the highest levels of family and community engagement, culturally relevant organizational practices, school climate, student-centered learning, a diverse staff of excellent educators, equitable student access, and fiscal equity. We seek candidates who are passionate about these values, represent the diversity of our community, and will engage fully in our continuous improvement efforts to achieve equity for all.

About the role

The special education teacher is an educational leader who guides the interests and directs the activities of students to facilitate their individual development. The teacher is responsible to the principal for the implementation of the appropriate curriculum/program and for the instruction and guidance of students according to their individual needs and abilities. In programs where leadership is assigned to the supervisor of special services, the teacher is responsible to the supervisor for implementation of the district's curriculum/program. The teacher cooperates with staff to enhance the quality of educational experiences, maintains open communication with parents, and recognizes the importance of school-home cooperation.

Responsibilities

• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
• Plans daily and long-term learning activities consistent with the district's curriculum to meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects in harmony with curriculum goals.
• Employs a variety of instructional methods and materials appropriate for meeting stated objectives.
• Assesses student accomplishments regularly, provides progress reports, and completes student records as required.
• Assists administration in implementing policies and rules governing student conduct; develops and maintains reasonable and just classroom behavior rules.
• Assumes responsibility for the proper care of all books and school property.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Participates in staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Participates in the school planning and placement team process.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with others.
• Maintains open communication with students and parents concerning academic and behavioral progress.
• Schedules time to fulfill all teaching responsibilities, including lesson planning, conferences, professional growth, and extracurricular activities where appropriate.
• Uses technology as a teaching and learning tool.
• Provides an instructional program to foster maximum growth potential in all developmental aspects for each child through individual or group experiences.
• Confers with parents and professional staff regarding each child's progress.
• Participates in budget planning with the supervisor.
• Participates in curriculum planning and inservice workshops for curriculum development.
• Completes individual educational evaluations of students.
• Acts as case manager for special education students.
• Is knowledgeable about special education laws, regulations, forms, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the principal or supervisor for the efficient functioning of the school/program.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree.
• Connecticut State Department of Education Certification: (165) Comprehensive Special Education, K-12.