Preschool Special Education Mentor Teacher - Brooklyn/ Staten Island

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

We are currently looking for a Mentor Teacher to support our  William O'Connor: Bay Ridge and Staten Island Children's Program. This position will support both schools. 

Why Join ADAPT?

It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director, the Mentor Teacher is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality educational instruction to students in Special Education and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Programs. This role involves planning and implementing individualized educational programs, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, and fostering a developmentally appropriate and inclusive classroom environment.

The Mentor Teacher also serves as an instructional or teacher-team leader and professional development coach within the school building. They provide ongoing support, guidance, and modeling to teachers, assistant teachers, and student teachers to enhance instructional quality and student outcomes. As a teacher-team leader, the Mentor Teacher ensures collaboration among interdisciplinary teams (i.e., related service providers, families, etc.) and contributes to continuous program improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Mentor Teacher will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plan, implement, and adapt daily lessons and classroom activities based on students' developmental levels and individual education plans (IEPs).
• Develop and maintain both short- and long-term instructional goals and evaluate student progress regularly.
• Participate in student evaluations, intake assessments, and transition planning processes.
• Develop educational reports, including annual reviews, quarterly progress reports, and formal assessments in all developmental domains, where needed.
• Ensure that lesson plans and classroom materials are developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and accessible to all learners.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate student records, including attendance, data tracking, and anecdotal reports.
• Implement and support the classroom environment with evidence-based instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.

Leadership and Mentorship Responsibilities:

• Provide mentoring, modeling, and instructional coaching to teachers and teacher assistants, fostering a culture of reflective practice and professional growth.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback aligned with agency expectations and instructional goals.
• Lead professional development initiatives, in-service training sessions, and orientation programs for new and existing staff.
• Collaborate with teachers to design and implement differentiated instructional strategies and individualized behavior supports.
• Support the professional development and supervision of student teachers and interns on Study Plans.

Team Collaboration and Communication:

• Act as team leader for each student’s interdisciplinary team, facilitating collaboration and goal alignment.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, annual reviews, and other program-related committees (e.g., Education Curriculum Committee).
• Maintain regular communication with the Director / Assistant Director and participate in weekly update meetings to discuss classroom performance, student progress, and staffing needs.
• Collaborate with related service providers, families, and other professionals to ensure cohesive educational planning and implementation.

Operational and Support Duties:

• Oversee classroom setup, including furniture, materials, and adaptive equipment to optimize learning and ensure safety.
• Manage and requisition of classroom supplies and materials in accordance with budgetary procedures.
• Support arrival, dismissal, and transition routines; assist students with personal care needs including feeding, toileting, and dressing, as needed.
• Implement universal precautions and adhere to health and safety protocols as noted in Article 47.
• Substitute in other classrooms or support staff coverage when needed.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.

Program Development and Continuous Improvement:

• Contribute to curriculum development, lesson planning frameworks, and instructional resources aligned with state learning standards and agency goals.
• Support the implementation of inclusive practices.
• Stay informed of current trends and best practices in early childhood and special education through professional development, research, and continuing education.
• Promote the agency’s mission and advocate for the needs and dignity of students with disabilities.
• Contribute to Curriculum Committee meetings
• Performs other related duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Proficiency in the use of a personal computer and appropriate software
• Good interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, children and their parents and outside contacts
• Must maintain confidentiality of student’s records
• Must maintain confidentiality of staff records
• Ability to analyze problems and determine corrective measures
• Passion for ADAPT's mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non-profit disability sector.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education required
• New York State Certification in Special Education for Special Education Teachers
• New York State Certification in Early Childhood Education or N-6 (for Day Care and UPK Teachers)
• Meet all additional NY State Certification requirements

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• New York State Certification in Special Education for Special Education Teachers
• New York State Certification in Early Childhood Education or N-6 (for Day Care and UPK Teachers)
• Meet all additional NY State Certification requirements

COMPENSATION : $80,000- $90,000/annually + Industry-Leading Benefits for all full-time employees.

At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported by leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.

ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.