Special Education Ed Tech III

TITLE: Special Education Ed Tech III - East End Community School

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

Portland Public Schools seeks a committed and collaborative Educational Technician III to support Special Education students at [School]. Under the direction of the School Principal and in close collaboration with school Special Education staff, the Ed Tech implements academic and positive behavioral support plans, helping to ensure a high-quality education program and success for every student. The Ed Tech supports student engagement in academics individually and in small groups, promoting instructional goals and motivating learning. The Ed Tech also assists with classroom management, data tracking, Mainecare billing documentation, and non-instructional duties such as supervising lunch, recess, and non-academic time. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and provide direct instruction to students individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings to ensure achievement of academic goals
• Implement lesson plans and follow schedules created by the Special Education Coordinator or appropriate related service provider
• Continue planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom
• Demonstrate cultural proficiency and actively foster relationships that respect, embrace and celebrate students' diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges
• Learn about and leverage students' strengths and opportunity gaps and adapt learning methods that appropriately guide, engage and challenge student(s)
• Collect, organize, and share data to ensure proactive and ongoing communication with all relevant stakeholders in service of student achievement of academic and functional goals
• Foster an engaging and inclusive learning space and relationship that establishes positive student expectations conducive to learners' needs through developmentally appropriate and supportive routines and practices; manages student behavior using prescribed and adapted approaches
• Collaborate and communicate across the students' teachers and all relevant staff to ensure students receive necessary additional forms of academic assistance and/or relevant social-emotional support
• Collaborate and communicate with the students' families/caregivers and all relevant stakeholders to ensure necessary stakeholders are engaged in understanding and supporting the students' learning and social emotional needs
• Maintain FERPA and respect the confidentiality of all student and staff information
• Performs other related duties as requested by the School Principal

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Understands the teaching and learning process for the applicable grade span
• Able to provide adjustments to instructional approaches and materials that reflect diverse perspectives and trauma-informed practices
• Understands data collection, organizing, and sharing best practices that support student achievement of academic and behavioral goals
• Demonstrates an equity mindset and approach to work
• Committed to challenging personal perspectives, examining one's own biases and a willingness to take feedback, learn and grow around diversity, equity and inclusion related ideas
• Able to collaborate across lines of differences with a diverse student population and staff, as well as community partners, and families/caregivers
• Engages with families/caregivers and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning
• Open to accepting new ideas
• Highly responsive and oriented towards transparency and proactive, explicit communication
• Communicates ideas in ways that demonstrates respect and is digestible for varied audiences
• Willing to take Crisis Prevention (CPI) training
• Specific student care and activities may be delegated to the special education staff by the school registered nurse in accordance with Maine state nursing scope of practice law; training, oversight and documentation will be provided by the school nurse

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Preference will be given to candidates with a college degree that includes nine credit hours related to an education field such as behavior management or classroom strategies, and to candidates who have at least one year of experience working with students in structured situations
• CPI training certification (or ability to be certified) preferred
• Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience are welcome

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State Educational Technician III (023) authorization (more info)
• Maine State CHRC authorization (fingerprints) (more info) **
  • ** if you already have an active Ed Tech certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with implementing PSPs and safety plans
• Frequent bending, walking, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 35 pounds may be required
• Specific student care and activities may be delegated to the special education staff by the school registered nurse in accordance with Maine state nursing scope of practice law. Training, oversight and documentation will be provided by the school nurse. 

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of Ed Tech union (see 2024-2027 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT EAST END:

East End Community School is located on Munjoy Hill in Portland, ME, overlooking the city and ocean. As one of the most diverse schools in Northern New England, we celebrate the many languages and cultural heritages of our students and families. As a Title 1 school, more than 80% of our students qualify for free/ reduced lunch and over half our students are multilingual learners. We hope you'll hear laughter as you walk about the school, seeing and hearing the joy of our students.

Our vision centers on diversity, equity, relationships, growth, and achievement. We hold high expectations for all learners, grounded in the belief that every student can meet and exceed grade-level standards. We are committed to providing access to high-quality instruction where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning.

We have many partners in our Community, including the Root Cellar, Learning Works, Portland Symphony, Mayo Street Arts, Opera Maine and more. We have a Chess club, Chorus, Band and Strings for older students as well as extra-curricular sports including a soccer program with the Hearts of Pines professional soccer team. We want all students, families and community members to be seen, heard and welcomed. Get to know us and learn why our motto is: Empowering Students of the World, for the World. 

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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.