Special Education Teacher - LaGrange School Program in Poughkeepsie, NY

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world.

About the role

Abilities First is seeking a Special Education Teacher for our school program located in Poughkeepsie, NY. This position is responsible, through the use of the integrated services model, for the assessment of each student’s individual needs, curriculum planning and development, carryover of therapy goals into the classroom setting, and coordination of the classroom support staff.

Responsibilities

• Use standardized and non-standardized assessment tools to determine the current level of performance of each student.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of an instructional program that meets the individual age-appropriate educational needs of each student in the classroom.
• Write IEPs, monthly progress notes, and weekly lesson plans.
• Organize and maintain a neat and structured environment to facilitate each student’s learning, including space, materials, scheduling, and behavior management.
• Coordinate classroom support staff in the assessment, planning, and implementation of each student’s IEP.
• Assist in the classroom according to staffing patterns and students’ needs (e.g., changing diapers, assistance with toileting, assistance with feeding), leading by example.
• Escort and assist students to and from the bus, providing opportunities for increased independence in orientation and mobility.
• Observe and arrange for staff to observe related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and vision services to ensure execution of those goals in the classroom.
• Encourage the “push-in” model of therapy within the classroom environment when appropriate.
• Develop and maintain positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals.
• Maintain a good social-emotional climate to enhance classroom staff performance and foster positive self-esteem in each student.
• Attend professional/general staff meetings and in-service training within the agency and throughout the community, sharing knowledge with other staff members.
• Share knowledge of students with other professionals to meet educational needs at classroom Team Meetings, Doctor’s Conferences, and School District Committee on Special Education Annual Meetings.
• Provide and maintain a sufficient and safe level of supervision for each student during school hours.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures, demonstrating continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Perform other appropriate job-related activities as required by the immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Ensure adherence to the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior, corporate compliance, HIPAA, and all federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations.
• Adhere to the agency’s Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, performing responsibilities with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith, and respect for others and the law.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Special Education with appropriate NYS Teaching Certification, or Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or a related field with graduate-level coursework in Special Education and NYS Provisional Certification or Certificate of Qualification.
• Certification for Grades 1st - 6th is required.
• Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands to perform CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting/carrying techniques, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 3:30pm; 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. This position follows the school calendar (September – June), with a 6-week summer program.

Pay

Salary Range: $52,000-$53,000 with a Bachelor’s Degree, $57,000-$58,000 with a Master’s Degree.

Benefits

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off (or paid time off on the school calendar).
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support.
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day.
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.