SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER BA/BS – SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
Full-Time, Salary $46,000 - $73,500 /year. Shifts available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 3 pm (32.5 hours per week).
About Brightway Living & Learning
Brightway Living & Learning is a premier non-profit provider of human services on Long Island, including educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65-year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), Brightway supports over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities through a full continuum of care. By employing persistence, adaptability, and the power of behavioral science, Brightway’s dedicated professionals enable individuals to grow, learn, and meet milestones at their own pace.
About the Role
Special Education Teachers in the School Age Program are creative, energetic, career-oriented therapists who educate individuals with developmental disabilities in an ungraded self-contained classroom. Special Education Teachers receive ongoing training and support from board-certified behavior analysts and other qualified professionals to enhance and maximize career growth. Our school programs operate on a 12-month calendar. This role offers valuable experience and knowledge working in a classroom and community setting following the principles of applied behavior analysis.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and NYS teaching certification in Special Education
- Experience working with developmentally disabled individuals is preferred; interest in working with this population is required
- Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability to:
- Modify the area to secure the safety of children (e.g., move/push tables and other heavy objects up to 20 lbs)
- Lift/move 20 lbs (mats)
- Run after students up to 500 feet
- Run to a classroom in need up to 500 feet
- Kneel, twist, and bend
- Respond to fire alarms
Responsibilities
- Set up the classroom, structure the schedule, and implement data collection systems to execute students' IEPs
- Develop and use behavior management systems, behavior support plans, reinforcement schedules, and positive teaching techniques in accordance with Brightway policy
- Plan and implement a daily structured program incorporating activities to achieve IEP goals and promote generalization
- Prepare and maintain required records and paperwork (attendance, student program books, lesson plans, daily data, graphed summaries, parent communication notebooks, anecdotal records, progress reports, educational evaluations, recommended IEPs, etc.)
- Communicate regularly with parents/CRP regarding student progress via written communication, phone contacts, and meetings
- Attend and pass all required trainings, staff meetings, in-services, team meetings, quarterly review meetings, and CSE meetings
- Ensure materials and environmental modifications needed to implement students’ IEPs are available
- Familiarize yourself with and act in accordance with all policies in the School Age Program Handbook for Staff
Benefits
- Comprehensive paid training
- Exceptional benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and EAP
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement opportunities
- Career growth opportunities within Brightway Living & Learning
- Paid time off for school breaks
Why You'll Love This Job
- Build meaningful relationships with individuals and their families
- Learn and grow through ongoing training and professional development
- Be part of a supportive team of passionate and dedicated colleagues
- Experience deep job satisfaction knowing your work makes a difference