Job Description:
NORTH STONINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
North Stonington, Connecticut
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE
Reports To: Director of Special Services and Building Principal or Designee
Classification: Certified Staff
Employment Status: Full-Time Temporary Assignment
Bargaining Unit: Teachers
Work Year: On or around March 8, 2027 through the remainder of the school year
Benefits: Not benefit eligible
Compensation: Long-Term Substitute will be placed on Step One of the appropriate salary schedule set forth in the Teachers Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Position Purpose
Under the direction of the Director of Special Services and Building Principal, the Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), district procedures, and applicable state and federal requirements. The teacher supports academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, adaptive, and functional development while promoting access to the general education curriculum and least restrictive environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develops, implements, monitors, and revises IEPs and serves as case manager for assigned students.
- Participates in PPT meetings and collaborates with families, educators, related service providers, and outside agencies.
- Provides specialized instruction in individual, small-group, inclusive, co-taught, and specialized settings.
- Develops differentiated instruction aligned with student needs, IEP goals, and curriculum standards.
- Implements accommodations, modifications, behavioral supports, transition services, executive functioning supports, and other services identified in IEPs.
- Collaborates with general education teachers to support student access to and participation in the general education curriculum.
- Conducts assessments and progress monitoring; collects and analyzes data to monitor IEP progress and guide instruction.
- Maintains accurate special education records, service documentation, progress data, and compliance records using CTSEDS and other district systems.
- Utilizes positive behavioral supports, de-escalation strategies, and trauma-informed practices to promote student success and maintain a safe, supportive learning environment.
- Supports student independence, self-advocacy, and appropriate school behaviors.
- Maintains regular communication with parents/guardians regarding student progress, programming, and supports.
- Provides direction, guidance, modeling, and communication to paraeducators supporting students on the teachers caseload.
- Utilizes instructional, assistive, and educational technology and adaptive equipment as appropriate.
- Participates in professional development and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Valid Connecticut State Department of Education Special Education certification preferred.
- Preferred endorsements: 165 - Comprehensive Special Education, Grades K-12; or 265 - Comprehensive Special Education, Grades PK-12.
- Bachelors degree in Special Education or related field required; Masters degree preferred.
- Prior special education teaching experience preferred.
- Experience with IEP development, case management, progress monitoring, CTSEDS, and multidisciplinary collaboration preferred.
- Knowledge of special education law, IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Connecticut special education regulations, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices.
- Strong communication, organization, collaboration, problem-solving, and professional judgment skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively use educational technology and data systems.
Physical/Work Environment
Work is performed in a school environment and requires the ability to move throughout classrooms and school facilities, communicate effectively, respond to changing student needs, and assist students with mobility, positioning, personal care, or behavioral needs as required by student programming. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
North Stonington Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, or any other protected status under applicable law.