Job Description:
Location: Carmen Arace Middle School
Salary: Teachers BEA Agreement
Work Year: Ten-month position (186 days) 7.25 hours/day
We are seeking a compassionate, committed, and flexible Special Education Teacher to lead a classroom for students with social-emotional and behavioral needs, many of whom have experienced trauma. This position requires a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, relationship-centered teaching, and the ability to foster a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment where all students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Create and deliver individualized, engaging instruction in core academic and social-emotional learning that meets the diverse needs of each student.
- Build a trauma-sensitive classroom culture that emphasizes safety, consistency, empathy, and connection.
- Provide targeted behavioral and emotional support using proactive, strength-based strategies and positive reinforcement.
- Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care and support for students.
- Collect and use data to monitor student progress, adjust instruction, and inform individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Develop and maintain strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Support students in learning and practicing self-regulation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Maintain compliance with IDEA regulations and district policies to ensure equitable access to services and supports.
- Implement de-escalation and safety procedures in alignment with school protocols and trauma-informed practices.
Qualifications/Competencies Required Education and/or Experience:
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed teaching practices and behavior management grounded in empathy and respect.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed teaching practices and behavior management grounded in empathy and respect.
- Ability to remain calm, responsive, and patient in a dynamic and growth-focused classroom.
- Knowledge of evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions for students with emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience preferred in a special education or therapeutic setting, though not required.
- Willingness to be flexible, reflective, and collaborative as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Certifications/Licenses/Registrations Required:
- Connecticut certification with the appropriate endorsement for Special Education Teacher 165 or 065 or be immediately eligible for appropriate Connecticut Certification endorsement for Special Education Teacher
EOE