Special Education Teacher - The LEARN Transition Academy - 2026-2027 School Year

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate, innovative, and student-centered Special Education Teacher to join our dedicated team at the LEARN Transition Academy. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping students bridge the gap between school and adulthood while working alongside a highly collaborative team of educators, clinicians, families, and community partners.

Why LEARN?

• Make a Meaningful Difference: Empower young adults to achieve greater independence and reach their fullest potential. Help students develop real-world skills that lead to successful outcomes in employment, education, and community participation. Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to inclusion, dignity, and student success.
• Collaborative and Supportive Culture: Work alongside experienced special educators, related service providers, behavior specialists, and administrators. Participate in ongoing professional learning and coaching. Join a team that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Professional Growth: Access opportunities for leadership development and specialized training. Expand your expertise in transition planning, evidence-based instructional practices, assistive technology, community-based learning, and positive behavioral supports. Contribute to a growing organization recognized for excellence in serving students with diverse learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Instruction & Student Learning:
  • Design and deliver engaging, individualized instruction aligned to students' IEP goals.
  • Use evidence-based instructional practices and formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction.
  • Foster student engagement through meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
  • Create supportive classroom environments that promote independence, self-advocacy, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• IEP Development & Case Management:
  • Serve as the IEP Case Manager for assigned students.
  • Draft, facilitate, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal special education requirements.
  • Collect and analyze data to track student progress and support instructional decision-making.
• Transition & Community-Based Learning:
  • Develop transition-focused programming that prepares students for employment, post-secondary education, and independent living.
  • Collaborate with families, vocational agencies, employers, and community partners to create meaningful learning opportunities.
  • Support student participation in community-based instruction and vocational experiences.
• Collaboration & Leadership:
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams in coordinating educational, behavioral, and related service supports.
  • Partner closely with families and service providers to ensure cohesive planning and implementation.
  • Train, supervise, and support instructional assistants and paraprofessionals.
  • Contribute to a positive, collaborative school culture focused on student success.
• Behavior & Inclusion Supports:
  • Develop and implement classroom systems that promote positive social-emotional and behavioral growth.
  • Utilize Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and data-driven practices to support student success.
  • Design and oversee inclusion opportunities aligned with student goals and program expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Connecticut certification in Special Education or eligibility for Connecticut certification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
• Ability to lift and/or assist with physical management procedures involving students of 50 pounds or more, as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with transition-age students (18-22 years old).
• Knowledge of transition planning, vocational programming, and community-based instruction.
• Experience implementing evidence-based behavioral and instructional practices.
• Familiarity with assistive technology, vocational assessment, and life-skills instruction.