Certified Teacher, Special Education (Gr. K-6)

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Special Education Teacher (Gr. K-6)

This full-time position is Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours a week. Offering a $3,000 Sign-on Bonus* ( some conditions may apply ), Competitive Salaries, Excellent Benefits & Job Perks!

We pay for all background checks and your TCI Training!

Position : Certified Special Education Teacher (Gr. K-6)

Program : R&E May School

Type: Full-time; Exempt

Pay Range: $62,353.20 - $74,500.00 (Annually)

Location: Albany, New York

Job Ref. # : 0340

Our Mission:

St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families and adults we serve.

Our Vision:

St. Catherine’s willingness to embrace change and develop new services is, and will remain, our guiding philosophy as we support the human service needs of children, families, and adults throughout the region.

Position Overview:

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation, and supervision of a high-quality instructional program aligned with New York State Education Department (NYSED) standards and regulations. The Teacher leads the classroom team, ensures fidelity to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and fosters a safe, structured, and trauma-informed learning environment that supports students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.

Position Requirements & Specifications:

• Master’s degree is required. Master of Science degree in Special Education, preferred. Master of Science degree in related educational area of study may be considered.

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education or a related field will be considered, provided the candidate is currently enrolled in an active Master’s program in Special Education or a related educational field.

• NYS Certification in Special Education, Literacy or Students with Disabilities, required .

• Ability to work with students who exhibit significant emotional, behavioral and interpersonal challenges, mental health diagnoses and trauma history (ages 5-13).

• Prior supervisory experience, highly preferred.

• At least one year of relevant experience is preferred.

• Previous experience working in a human services agency is a plus!

• Proficiency in various computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Google, and use secure Internet practices.

• Experience with AWARDS is a plus!

• Outstanding communication skills, in both oral and written forms.

• Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.

• Ability to handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality.

• Demonstrated placidity and patience; flexibility and adaptability.
  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include:

Instructional Planning and Implementation-

• Develop and implement daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with NYSED learning standards and each student’s IEP goals and objectives.
• Deliver differentiated instruction using evidence-based practices to meet diverse learning needs.
• Provide individual, small group, and whole-class instruction that supports both academic and social-emotional development.
• Utilize ongoing assessment data to inform instruction and monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
• Collaborate with related service providers to ensure coordinated and integrated instructional supports.

Classroom Leadership and Supervision-

• Supervise and provide direction to Teacher Assistants and assigned classroom staff.
• Foster a structured, predictable, and trauma-informed classroom environment that promotes safety, trust, and student engagement.
• Model and support the use of positive behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and restorative practices.
• Provide coaching and feedback, for classroom staff in alignment with agency and educational standards.
• Ensure adherence to all agency policies, NYSED regulations, and applicable guidelines.

Student Support and Classroom Environment-

• Support students in developing self-regulation, coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Implement proactive classroom management strategies that emphasize prevention, relationship-building, and student dignity.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is organized, welcoming, and conducive to learning.
• Ensure appropriate supervision and safety of all students at all times, including during crisis situations.
• Utilize approved crisis intervention techniques in alignment with training and regulatory guidance.

Documentation and Compliance-

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including:

• Daily Lesson plans
• Report cards and progress reports
• Behavioral and incident documentation as required
• Ensure compliance with NYSED requirements, including documentation for IEP implementation and progress reporting.
• Ensure the consistent implementation and ongoing progress monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), including the systematic collection, documentation, and analysis of behavioral data to assess effectiveness, inform instructional and behavioral adjustments, and ensure compliance with NYSED requirements and each student’s IEP.
• Contribute to the development and review of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including drafting present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, and recommended supports and services, ensuring alignment with student needs, data, and NYSED regulations.

Collaboration and Team Participation-

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, including IEP meetings, MTSS meetings, and program reviews, contributing data-driven insights and collaborating with team members to support effective educational planning and student outcomes.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, contributing to communication, collaboration, and the effective implementation of program initiatives and student supports.
• Communicate effectively with families/guardians in alignment with confidentiality laws and parental rights.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support consistent implementation of instructional and behavioral supports.

Professional Development-

• Participate in required trainings, including those related to NYSED mandates, trauma-informed practices, and instructional best practices.
• Actively pursue professional development opportunities to enhance skills and competencies in alignment with individual strengths, areas of need, and program goals.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and adherence to school policies and NYSED expectations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervising administrator.
• May support or lead professional development activities for staff.

What We Offer You**

• Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
• Health Insurance options: Medical, Dental and Vision
• $600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit
• Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) and Paid Holidays!
• We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Pension Plan with Generous Agency Contribution
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan
• Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
• Paid Training, including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
• Tuition Reimbursement & Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement
• Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities
• The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment
• Our Commitment to Embrace & Foster Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect and Solidarity.

** To qualify, certain conditions may apply

About Us:

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a non-profit organization located in the Greater Capital Region of New York. We offer a wide array of human services designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and adults, including residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.

St. Catherine’s is committed to cultivating a culture where all employees feel safe to bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. We are invested in fostering an equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace; collaboratively embracing mindfulness, relevance, respect and solidarity.

If you would like to learn more about our agency or one of our many programs, please visit our website at:

EEO Statement:

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health and pregnancy, family history and genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, politics, or other beliefs, and any other characteristics protected by law.