Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), Assistive Technology, Autism, Board of Education, Communication Skills, Communication Systems, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Developmental Disabilities, Legal, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Primary School, Problem Solving Skills, Project Tracking, Regulations, School Psychology, Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology, Student Conduct, Team Player, Training Program, Training/Teaching
Job Description:
Hampton Elementary School is seeking a caring, collaborative, and student-centered Special Education Teacher to support students in a small, highly individualized classroom serving learners with significant communication needs. This classroom maintains a small caseload to allow for intensive, responsive, and relationship-based instruction that supports students' communication, academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional development.
At Hampton Elementary School, we are Rooted in Tradition, Branching to the Future. As a small preschool through grade six school community, we pride ourselves on knowing every child and family well and building strong, meaningful relationships. Our size is one of our greatest strengths-it allows for deep collaboration, individualized support, and a genuine sense of belonging for students and staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Instruction and Student Support
- Plan and implement individualized, evidence-based instruction aligned with students' IEP goals and Connecticut Core Standards, as appropriate.
- Provide specialized instruction to students with significant communication needs in academic, communication, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional skill areas.
- Utilize augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), visual supports, assistive technology, and structured communication systems, as appropriate to student needs.
- Differentiate instruction and provide individualized supports to maximize student engagement, independence, and success.
- Create a structured, predictable, and supportive classroom environment that fosters communication, regulation, belonging, and growth.
- Facilitate inclusion opportunities and collaboration with general education settings whenever appropriate.
- Support students in developing communication skills across environments and with a variety of communication partners.
IEP Development and Progress Monitoring
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with families and multidisciplinary team members.
- Collect and analyze student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and inform instructional decisions.
- Prepare progress reports, maintain required documentation, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and district special education requirements.
- Participate in PPT meetings and communicate student progress clearly and compassionately with families.
Collaboration and Family Partnerships
- Collaborate closely with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, BCBAs/behavior specialists, school psychologists, related service providers, paraeducators, and classroom teachers to provide coordinated student support.
- Supervise, train, and collaborate with paraeducators to implement instructional and behavioral programming with consistency and care.
- Maintain strong communication and trusting partnerships with families as valued members of the educational team.
- Participate actively in professional learning, problem-solving, and schoolwide collaboration.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field required.
- Valid Connecticut Special Education teaching certification required.
- Experience working with students with communication differences, autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, or complex learning needs preferred but not required.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing to teach
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times
- Must be able to traverse the classroom and adjust ones tone and height, by bending or leaning, in order to teach each child
- Must be able to work with the needs of complex learners
Pay and Benefits:
- Per the Hampton Elementary School Contract
To Apply:
Applications will only be accepted online. Review of applications may begin immediately. Please email your cover letter, resume and 3 letters of recommendation to kschimmelpfennig@hamptonschool.org
As an equal opportunity employer, the Hampton Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.