Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Winchester Public Schools is looking for a Special Education Teacher to strengthen our students' academic, behavioral, emotional, and social skills while enabling the student to maximize his/her potential and ability to return to mainstream classes. The Special Education Teacher will implement an education program that facilitates the treatment process in compliance with the student's IEP for students in grades 7-12 at The Gilbert School.

Position Purpose:
The Special Education Teacher: Administers and evaluates educational diagnostic testing; Performs behavioral observations; Create instructional opportunities that support students' academic, social and personal development; Designs tasks that meet curricular goals, build upon students' prior learning and advance the students toward important learning goals; Collect, graph and analyze academic and behavioral data; Manages students behaviors by successfully implementing de-escalation strategies; Participate in therapeutic holds in accordance with CPI as a last resort; Work with Teacher Support personnel; Assist in providing updated written progress reports as requested by supervisor, other team members and parents.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree (Masters Preferred) in Special Education, equivalent experience and training;
• valid CT Teaching License
• Experience and expertise in student behavior management and collaborative problem solving;
• Ability to provide leadership to staff in areas of specialization;
• Excellent interpersonal skills to consult effectively with teachers, administrators, and parents, in a variety of settings;
• Very good command of oral and written English language and ability to present effectively to large groups;
• Ability to write valid IEP's and to follow IDEA procedures;
• Valid Connecticut Driver's license and reliable transportation for on the job travel;
• Physical ability to train and/or assist staff in the physical management of students in crisis;
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job is preferred
• Maintains the integrity of confidential information pertaining to students, staff, or district patrons;
• The ability to work professionally and lead a team of staff.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate teaching methods, state curriculum framework, education, and special education law, and appropriate instructional subjects. Knowledge of differentiating the mainstream curriculum.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Implement Behavioral and Functional Assessments for students as well as progress monitoring with strong data collection and data-driven decision skills.
• Assist and support building and District staff and parents in the data-driven development, implementation and revision of student behavior intervention plans;
• Facilitate team processes including problem-solving, pre-referral intervention, and IEP development for special needs students;
• Provide support to staff in all areas related to emotional disturbance and behavioral disorders and interventions;
• Instruct and direct assigned instructional assistants to maximize delivery of instructional services;
• Collects appropriate student performance data for determining the extent to which student IEP goals and objectives are achieved;
• Teacher will seek out opportunities for professional development to enhance the content knowledge and pedagogical skill.
• It is preferred that the teacher is knowledgeable in de-escalation strategies and has experience with non-violent crisis prevention interventions.

Working Conditions:

• Per Contract with the Winchester Education Association.
• Pay Range - $44,456.00 - $100,709.00

Requirements:

• Must pass federal and local background checks;
• Must have reliable transportation;
• Must complete all pre-employment requirements before the start date.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Application Procedure:

• Apply Online via our website: www.winchesterschools.org to applitracks Upload cover letter, resume, three recent reference letters, and certificate.

The Winchester Board of Education, per its policy, does not make employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law ("Protected Class"), except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.