Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher (Spring 2026) - Deering High

TITLE: Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher (Spring 2026) - Deering High

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools is seeking a certified Special Educator to serve as a long-term substitute in the Resource Room at Deering High School. The successful candidate will be adept at providing an atmosphere and an environment conducive to the academic, social and emotional development of individuals that ensure equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and adjusting curricular and instructional materials to monitor student progress and meet the needs of a range of learners. Communicating and interacting with students, parents, colleagues and community members are essential in this role.  

**This position is available now and coverage will be required until the end of the 25-26 School Year, with 6/22 as the likely last day.**

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the Special Education case manager for the students served on their caseload
• Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, PPS policy and administrative regulation
• Creates a classroom environment that provides for student involvement in the learning process and enables each student to achieve learning objectives
• Provides instructional programming to meet the needs of all students including students with disabilities
• Establishes learning objectives consistent with an appraisal of student needs, requirements of PPS curricula framework, and knowledge of human growth and development
• Takes all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Establishes relationships with colleagues, students, parents and community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual
• Appraises their own effectiveness and demonstrates successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence
• Participates in school management and shares responsibility for the total school program
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required. Performs related work as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to develop working knowledge of PPS curriculum, techniques for integrating curriculum, PPS policies, and effective instructional practices
• Ability to develop and deliver standards-based, specially designed instruction (SDI) across curricular disciplines and grade levels
• Ability to lead therapeutic, instructional team via collaborative processes
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities, specifically students within the functional life skills classroom
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Ability to infuse technology into curricula
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills
• Willingness to reflect on personal implicit bias and a commitment to challenging personal perspectives and deepening self-awareness
• Knowledge of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)
• Preferred qualifications: experience working with behavioral disabilities, experience with standards-based experiential and/or expeditionary learning

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with behavioral disabilities, experience with standards-based experiential and/or expeditionary learning
• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience are welcome
• Portland Public Schools values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
• Maine State Teacher Certificate with one of the following endorsements (more info):
  • 286 Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (PK-12)
  • 282 Teacher of Children with Disabilities (K-8)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Assignment: Temporary (approx. dates of coverage: now until 6/22/2026)
• Schedule: Full-Time, 1.0 FTE
• Wage: $36.43 / hour (certification is *required* for this rate)
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Salary : $36