Teacher

Composite Teacher

RSU 40 – Mid-coast Maine

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated, student-centered educator to serve as a Composite Program Teacher. This role supports students with a range of academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and communication needs in a highly structured, supportive environment that blends special education and general education opportunities.

The Composite Program is designed to provide specially designed instruction (SDI), behavioral and social-emotional support, and access to inclusive opportunities throughout the school day. The teacher will play a critical role in developing individualized programming while fostering independence, skill development, and meaningful inclusion.

Pay Scale: $51,260 to $94,433 per year

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement individualized instruction aligned with IEP goals in academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional skill areas
• Develop and maintain a structured, predictable classroom environment that supports student regulation and engagement
• Utilize evidence-based practices for behavior support, including proactive strategies, de-escalation, and skill-building
• Collaborate closely with related service providers (speech, OT, social work), general education teachers, and support staff
• Facilitate inclusive opportunities for students within general education settings as appropriate
• Supervise and provide direction to Educational Technicians (Ed Techs), including modeling best practices and supporting capacity-building
• Collect and analyze student data to inform instruction, monitor progress, and adjust programming
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs, including writing measurable goals and present levels of performance
• Maintain strong, collaborative communication with families and team members
• Participate in IEP meetings, program reviews, and multidisciplinary team discussions
• Support students with transitions, including daily routines and long-term planning for increased independence
  
  

Qualifications

• Maine DOE Certification in Special Education required
• Experience working with students with behavioral, emotional, and/or developmental needs preferred
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and compliance requirements
• Experience with behavior intervention planning, data collection, and progress monitoring
• Ability to lead and collaborate with a team of support staff
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to inclusive practices and student-centered programming
  
  

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Experience in a self-contained or specialized program setting
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches
• Ability to balance high expectations with compassion and flexibility
• Strong leadership skills in managing classroom staff and systems
• Dedication to building student independence and reducing over-reliance on adult support
  
  

What We Offer

• Collaborative team environment with strong administrative support
• Access to ongoing professional development and coaching
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing, evolving program
• Competitive salary and benefits per district contract
• Maine certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (282) and/or Early Childhood certification (081/282 preferred)
• Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Maine Unified Special Education Regulations
• Experience working with young children with developmental and/or behavioral needs
• Strong skills in behavior support, early childhood development, and structured teaching
• Ability to lead a team, collaborate, and adapt in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to inclusive practices and early intervention
  
  

Why Join RSU 40

• Be part of a growing early childhood special education initiative
• Work within a clearly defined continuum of services across the district
• Collaborate with a strong team of educators, clinicians, and support staff
• Access ongoing training in behavior, early childhood, and specialized instruction
• Make a lasting impact during a critical stage of student development
  
  

Position Details

• Reports to: Building Administrator & Special Services Leadership
• Terms of Employment: Per collective bargaining agreement
  
  

Teacher Job Description

Job Goal: To provide effective, research-based instruction that meets the academic and

social-emotional needs of students while promoting a positive, inclusive, and respectful

classroom culture. The teacher will contribute to the development and implementation of

curriculum and instruction aligned with school and district goals, and will participate in

professional development and collaborative activities to improve teaching and learning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field; Master's degree preferred
• Valid Maine teacher certification in appropriate content area
• Successful teaching experience, with preference for those with experience in the
  
  

relevant grade level(s) or subject area(s)

• Knowledge of school curricula, instructional strategies, and special education law
• Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse student needs
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with students, parents, and
  
  

colleagues

• Strong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a positive, productive
  
  

learning environment

• Strong sense of professional ethics and commitment to continuous learning and
  
  

professional development

Essential Functions:

• Implement and align instructional strategies with district curricula and standards,
  
  

ensuring that all students have access to rigorous, differentiated learning

opportunities

• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and deliver high-quality, student-centered
  
  

instruction that engages all learners

• Use ongoing formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress,
  
  

adapt instruction, and provide timely feedback to students and families

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by incorporating research-based best
  
  

practices and utilizing data to inform instructional decisions.

• Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment that
  
  

promotes respect, responsibility, and academic success

• Establish clear expectations for student behavior and apply consistent, fair, and
  
  

culturally responsive discipline strategies

• Develop/implement individualized behavior plans and interventions for students
  
  

requiring additional support

• Promote positive relationships with students through proactive communication and
  
  

a focus on social-emotional learning

• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs
  
  

of students, including those with disabilities and English language learners

• Provide targeted interventions and support to students performing below grade
  
  

level, and challenge those performing above grade level to reach their full potential

• Work closely with special education staff, educational technicians, and support
  
  

personnel to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans

• Maintain accurate records of student progress, including accommodations and
  
  

modifications provided, and communicate regularly with parents about student

performance and needs

• Actively participate in collaborative team meetings, professional learning
  
  

communities (PLCs), and school-wide initiatives to improve teaching and learning

• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with instructional
  
  

best practices, educational technology, and trends in education

• Engage in self-reflection, seek feedback from peers and leadership, and demonstrate
  
  

a commitment to personal growth and professional excellence

• Establish and maintain open, respectful communication with students, parents, and
  
  

colleagues to build strong, supportive relationships

• Encourage and support family involvement in school activities and student learning
• Participate in data analysis sessions to identify trends, strengths, and areas of
  
  

improvement at the individual, classroom, and school levels

• Provide timely and meaningful feedback to students on their performance and
  
  

progress toward meeting academic goals

• Attend faculty meetings, school events, and parent-teacher conferences as required
• Support school and district initiatives and priorities
• Assist with school-wide activities, including assemblies, field trips, and special
  
  

projects, as assigned by the principal

• Maintain confidentiality about all aspects of student and personnel written and oral
  
  

records

• Demonstrate respect for the legal and human rights of students and staff
• Follow health and safety procedures established by the District
• Arrive and depart punctually, notifying appropriate personnel about absences and
  
  

coverage

aa. Demonstrate dependability, integrity, and other ethical standards

bb. Perform other duties as required by the Principal, such as lunchroom supervision,

hall monitoring, or assisting with school events