Special Education Teacher- Preschool ($10,000 Sign On Bonus!)

Local non-profit organization supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families in achieving their desired quality of life through comprehensive quality services.

About the role

As a Special Education Teacher at our Green Acres Preschool (Tonawanda, NY) program, you will assess and prescribe appropriate education and behavioral objectives for each child, collaborate with teaching specialists to monitor individual social and personal needs, ensure continuity between educational and home environments, and supervise teacher assistants in implementing individual objectives.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement Individualized Educational Programs (IEP).
• Assess and prescribe appropriate educational and behavioral objectives for each child.
• Evaluate results of educational programs and reassess children's needs.
• Provide supportive and consistent learning experiences for children.
• With other teaching specialists, assess and monitor individual social and personal needs of children to assure that each child is receiving all necessary services.
• Participate with team members in assuring continuity between the educational and home environments.
• Immediately report all accidents/incidents to appropriate staff members and complete all required paperwork.
• Assist students during swimming programs.
• Initiate, schedule, and conduct IEP conferences as appropriate.
• Attend CPSE/CSE meetings upon request of supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and records in accordance with legal requirements and agency policy.
• Supervise teacher aides, assistants, and volunteers in implementing individual objectives.
• Participate in staff, parent, and ad hoc committee meetings to assure maximum educational opportunities for children.
• Participate in in-service training activities.
• Utilize agency Employee Handbook and department program handbook.
• Assist and supervise student teachers and interns.
• Submit an annual inventory of supplies and equipment to Assistant Principal(s).
• Project future need of supplies and equipment in a timely manner.
• Recommend purchases to the Assistant Principal.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (in special education preferred).
• Permanent, Professional, or Provisional/Initial New York State Certification in Special Education.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of curriculum development for children with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to plan, implement, and document individualized educational programming.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of behavior management techniques.
• Ability to supervise other staff members.
• Sensitivity and respect for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Willingness to accept and perform duties not ordinarily associated with the position in emergencies or unusual circumstances.
• Willingness to grow and further develop personal and professional performance.
• Willingness to attend specific training as required by the position or recommended by supervisor.
• Demonstrated skill in formulating and documenting appropriate behavioral objectives for children with exceptional needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education plus Permanent/Professional or Provisional/Initial New York State Certification in Special Education, or
• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education plus Permanent/Professional or Provisional/Initial New York State Certification in Special Education.

Master’s Degree level teachers are expected to perform responsibilities with greater independence and efficiency than Bachelor’s Degree level teachers.

Skills

• Ability to read, write legibly, and communicate grammatically.
• Analytical, memorization, and perceptual/comprehensive skills.
• Good judgment, math skills, spatial aptitude, sequencing, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Maintain auditory and visual supervision of students.
• Communicate positively and professionally with individuals.
• Demonstrate leadership and serve as a role model to staff.
• Work independently and cooperatively with others.
• Handle information discretely and maintain confidentiality.
• Operate normal household appliances and office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, fax machine).

Benefits

• $10,000 sign-on bonus.
• $5,000 retention bonus (paid after 2 years of service).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Eligibility for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Excellent paid time off (PTO).
• Tremendous work-life balance (no nights, no weekends, no holidays).
• On-demand pay.
• On-the-job, paid training.
• 10 paid holidays.
• 35-hour work week (Monday–Friday).
• Employee discounts.
• Employer-matching 403b retirement plan.
• Positive, diverse, and exciting work environment.

Pay

$30.26–$32.44 per hour, based on Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Schedule

Full-time, 35-hour work week (Monday–Friday).