Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

We are currently looking for a Special Educator who will be responsible for providing individualized and specialized instruction for students with diverse and significant learning needs, including but not limited to those with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders. The teacher will implement instructional strategies, collaborate with support staff, and ensure student progress toward meeting IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals in a non-public special education school setting. The role also includes supporting students in functional life skills, communication, and social-emotional development.

Accesspoint RI is a nonprofit organization assisting individuals with developmental disabilities. We pride ourselves on ensuring that individuals are supported and treated with respect and dignity. We aim to promote interactions that are polite, honest, positive, and professional.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized lesson plans and IEP goals for each student in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, using data-driven instructional strategies.
• Assess students' academic, functional, and social-emotional needs through formal and informal assessments, observations, and collaboration with related service providers.
• Prepare and submit lesson plans weekly to the supervisor, ensuring alignment with IEP objectives and curriculum standards.
• Use evidence-based practices to support students' development in academic, functional, and behavioral areas.
• Collaborate with related service providers (OT, PT, Speech, and APE) to integrate therapy goals and interventions into classroom activities.
• Implement and monitor behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and classroom management strategies to support positive student behaviors.
• Participate actively in IEP meetings, annual reviews, and parent-teacher conferences, providing input on student progress and future goals.
• Complete all required documentation, including progress reports, IEP updates, evaluations, and behavior tracking data, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Adapt and differentiate instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, including the use of assistive technology, visual supports, and alternative communication systems.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that encourages peer interaction and social skill development.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families through daily notes, phone calls, emails, or meetings to report on student progress and address concerns.
• Provide instructional support and supervision to teacher assistants, ensuring they are effectively engaged in implementing lesson plans and supporting student needs.
• Ensure that the classroom environment is safe, engaging, and conducive to learning, including the use of adaptive equipment and specialized instructional materials.

Peripheral Duties and Responsibilities

• Train and mentor teacher assistants in classroom routines, instructional strategies, and behavior management techniques.
• Develop strong relationships with families to ensure the carryover of skills and strategies from school to home.
• Maintain knowledge of students' medical needs and collaborate with nursing staff to ensure student safety.
• Ensure the classroom is organized, clean, and appropriately equipped for daily learning activities.
• Foster professional development by participating in workshops, trainings, and team meetings to stay current on best practices in special education.
• Collaborate with external providers, public schools, and community programs to create opportunities for inclusion and vocational training when appropriate.
• Participate in school-wide activities, events, and professional learning communities to support the school's overall mission and goals.
• Assist in the care and supervision of students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, and other transitional periods.
• Model positive professional behavior for students, colleagues, and teacher assistants at all times.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Special Education Coordinator or School Director.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Special Education or a related field.
• Certification: Certified by the Department of Education as a Special Education Teacher.
• Ability to lift independently up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to lift up to 90 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to push, pull, and maneuver students using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
• Ability to physically assist students during transitions, including transferring to and from equipment and supporting during physical activities.