Life Skills Teacher -Cole Middle School

Life Skills Teacher -Cole Middle School

East Greenwich Schools East Greenwich Cole Middle School - East Greenwich, Rhode Island

Job Description

East Greenwich Public Schools seeks a highly qualified Special Education Teacher to work in a Life Skills classroom. Summary: The Special Educator will provide individualized and small-group instruction to middle school students with emotional and behavioral concerns, autism spectrum disorders, or other disabilities that require a partial or full alternative educational setting. This position includes the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans, frequent data collection and analysis, and the use of positive reinforcement strategies, such as a token economy system, in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regulations. Overall focus is on building student capacity for self-regulation and maximum inclusion in general education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Instructional Support
• Provide direct special education instruction aligned with IEP goals in core content and functional skills areas.
• Develop and implement individualized lesson plans based on each student's IEP, using trauma-informed, culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
• Collaborate with on-team educators to ensure maximum opportunities for functional inclusion in core classes and electives.
• Behavior Management
• Design, implement, and monitor a structured token economy system (or other positive systems) to reinforce positive behavior and foster student self-regulation and engagement.
• Collaborate with school psychologists, social workers, and behavior specialists to develop and monitor Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Maintain behavior data logs and progress monitoring reports for regular review and IEP meetings.
• Compliance and Documentation
• Ensure IEPs are implemented in full compliance with IDEA, RI Special Education Regulations, and Section 504.
• Complete progress reports, IEP documentation, and service logs in accordance with district and state timelines.
• Participate in multidisciplinary/IEP team meetings, IEP meetings, and re-evaluations.
• Collaboration & Communication
• Work closely with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and families to support student success and integration where appropriate.
• Provide coaching and training to staff on behavior management and the implementation of token economies.
• Professional Development
• Participate in ongoing professional learning in the areas of behavior management, trauma-informed care, and inclusive practices.
• Stay current on special education law and best practices, particularly as they relate to behavior and alternative learning scenarios.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the building principal.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Rhode Island Teaching Certificate All Grades Special Education - Severe Intellectual Disability
• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field; Master's preferred.
• Experience working in an alternative education setting and/or with students with significant behavioral needs.
• Knowledge of token economy systems, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and trauma-informed practices.
• Close collaboration with support staff in a structured classroom environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the East Greenwich School District and its administration to not discriminate against and to provide an equal opportunity for all current and prospective employees, students, and contractors, regardless of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, genetic information, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, or status as a special disabled veteran, recently separated Veteran, Vietnam Era veteran, or any other veteran who served on activity duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, except in those special circumstance permitted or mandated by law. The East Greenwich School District's policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity is consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders and mandates of the Department of Education.

Job Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. Knowledge of or training in a crisis management curriculum such as Safety Care preferred. Strong oral and written communications skills. The capability of responding simultaneously to a variety of needs for students and staff while maintaining a high degree of sensitivity to individual needs. Ability to interact with students, staff, and members of the community in a positive manner. Function as a critical member of the de-escalation team.
• At least 2 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Application Instructions

Thank you for applying to East Greenwich Schools. You must hold a current State of Rhode Island Teaching Certificate be considered for this position. (When applicable) PLEASE NOTE: Only complete SchoolSpring applications will be considered. Your SchoolSpring application must include: ALL application components, including ALL UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE TRANSCRIPTS. **If appointed, sealed transcripts are required. References should include principals or professors who have first-hand knowledge of your professional competence and your personal qualifications. Experienced teachers should include the principal of the two most recent schools in which employed. If any person(s) listed should not be contacted for reference at the present time, indicate that clearly on your SchoolSpring resume. You must also complete the application questions below.

Contact Information

• Beth Cauley, Assistant Principal
• 200 Middle Road
• East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818
• Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
• Fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io
• Email: View email address on click.appcast.io