Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Scituate School Department (RI) Hope Elementary School - Hope, Rhode Island

Job Description

The Scituate School Department seeks a collaborative, student-centered Special Education Teacher who is committed to ensuring high levels of learning and meaningful inclusion for all students. The successful candidate will provide specially designed instruction, develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborate with educators and families, and create equitable learning opportunities that enable students with disabilities to achieve academic, social, emotional, and functional success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in specialized instruction, evidence-based instructional practices, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive educational programming while working collaboratively with classroom teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to meet the diverse needs of learners.

Instruction and Learning Plan and deliver high-quality, specially designed instruction aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Rhode Island standards, and district curriculum. Differentiate instruction using evidence-based instructional practices, accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology to meet individual student needs. Provide instruction in inclusive, co-taught, resource, or specialized instructional settings, as assigned. Promote student independence, self-advocacy, executive functioning, and social-emotional development. Utilize Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and evidence-based interventions to maximize student achievement. Foster student engagement through meaningful learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Support positive student behavior through proactive classroom management and implementation of individualized behavior support plans when appropriate.

Assessment and Data-Informed Practice Administer and interpret formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional decision-making. Develop, implement, monitor, and revise Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with federal, state, and district requirements. Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to student progress, IEP implementation, progress monitoring, and compliance. Utilize student performance data to evaluate instructional effectiveness and adjust interventions to improve outcomes. Participate in collaborative analysis of student data and student work to support continuous instructional improvement.

Collaboration and Student Support Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, related service providers, administrators, and families to design and implement effective instructional programs. Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), grade-level teams, MTSS meetings, eligibility meetings, and IEP Team meetings. Provide day-to-day direction, guidance, and support to assigned paraprofessionals to ensure consistent implementation of instructional strategies, accommodations, behavioral interventions, personal care supports, and student safety procedures in accordance with students' IEPs. Collaborate with paraprofessionals to promote student independence while maintaining high expectations for student learning and behavior. Maintain ongoing communication with families regarding student progress, instructional goals, and support strategies.

Learning Environment Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, structured, and inclusive learning environment. Promote positive behavior, self-regulation, self-determination, and responsible decision-making. Foster a classroom culture characterized by high expectations, belonging, dignity, and respect for all learners. Ensure students have equitable access to rigorous curriculum and meaningful participation in the general education environment whenever appropriate.

Professional Responsibilities Maintain compliance with all federal and state special education laws and district policies. Participate in ongoing professional learning and demonstrate reflective instructional practice. Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws. Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and positive working relationships with students, staff, families, and community members. Support district initiatives related to curriculum, instruction, MTSS, inclusion, continuous improvement, and strategic priorities. Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Superintendent/designee.

Equal Employment Opportunity The Scituate School Department does not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, national origin, color, creed, political affiliation, or disability in any of its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.

Job Requirements

• Qualification Requirements: Rhode Island certification in Special Education and Elementary Education and/or Early Childhood Education. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, Rhode Island Special Education Regulations, and the IEP process. Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices, differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and specially designed instruction. Experience utilizing student performance data to develop, implement, monitor, and adjust instructional programs. Demonstrated ability to provide day-to-day guidance, support, and direction to paraprofessionals in implementing instructional programs, accommodations, behavioral supports, and personal care services. Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Commitment to creating equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students. Compliance with all Rhode Island Department of Education certification requirements.
• Preferred One (1) or more years of successful teaching experience in special education. Experience teaching students in inclusive, co-taught, resource, or substantially separate settings. Experience implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams. Experience supporting students with autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral needs, developmental disabilities, and complex learning needs. Experience supporting multilingual learners. MLL endorsement preferred.
• Terms of Employment Salary and benefits in accordance with the Scituate Teachers' Association Collective Bargaining Agreement. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required state and federal background investigations, including fingerprint-based criminal history checks. Citizenship, legal residency, or authorization to work in the United States is required.

Contact Information

• Patty Martin, Executive Assistant to Superintendent and Sch.Comm
• 3 George Washington Highway
• Clayville, Rhode Island 02815
• Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
• Email: View email address on click.appcast.io