Special Education Teacher, Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support (Breathe Program) - Moore Middle

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support (Breathe Program) – Moore Middle

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

Portland Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified special educator for our Breathe Program at Lyman Moore Middle School. The Special Education Teacher / Case Manager works with Breathe Program students in both mainstream and special education settings, and collaborates with the Breathe Program Social Worker and BCBA to determine optimal programming for students. The Breathe Special Education Teacher is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services in students' Individual Education Plans and providing specialized instruction to ensure that each student progresses in meeting IEP goals. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide evidence-based specially designed instruction to students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) to ensure that each student progresses in meeting the district's learning benchmarks
• Serve as case manager for each student, overseeing IEPs and conducting IEP meetings
• Ensure compliance with requirements in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101 including timelines related to the IEP process and IEP development
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, PPS policy and administrative regulation
• Support students with Emotional Disturbances and Other Health Impairments
• Create meaningful Positive Behavior Support plans
• Collaborate with the Program Social Worker, BCBA, School Principals, and other related service providers (SLPs, OT, PT, etc.)
• Consult with regular education teachers on a recurring basis regarding educational needs, accommodations, and modifications; provide academic support for mainstream classroom assignments
• Administer academic achievement assessments for initial referrals and triennial reviews
• Develop pathways to support students' progress toward meeting academic standard
• Attend meetings, professional development and in-service training
• Coordinate ed techs' schedules to best support students in mainstream classes
• Takes all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Communicate student progress with parents/guardians
• Support students' transition from 5th to 6th or 8th to 9th grade and assist with post-secondary planning  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and a keen understanding of the social and emotional needs of students, knowing de-escalation strategies as well as long-term planning necessary
• Strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students' social/emotional growth
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities
• Ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff
• 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
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Experience working with behavioral disabilities, experience with standards-based experiential and/or expeditionary learning

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• 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:

• At least one of the following Maine State Teacher Certificate endorsements (more info):
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, K-8)
  • Endorsement 286 (Severe Impaired, K-12)
• Maine State CHRC authorization (more info) **
  • **if you already have an active teacher certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your teacher certification

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT MOORE: 

Lyman Moore Middle School is one of three middle schools serving the diverse and amazing student population in Portland. At Moore we believe that each individual brings skills, talents, and gifts to our community. When we learn to put these skills, talents, and gifts together we are able to accomplish more as a community.  So, you are Moore, and we are MOORE TOGETHER. 

 

--
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 identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.