Special Education Teacher

Description

Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services. 

Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring.  We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 

Abilities First is seeking a full time Pre-School Special Education Teacher for our Middletown Education Center.   

The Classroom Teacher is responsible for the assessment of individual student’s needs, lesson plans, supervision of classroom staff, curriculum planning and development.

Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm; 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year.  This position follows the school calendar (September – June), with a 6-week summer program.  

Salary Range: $ 53,222.40 - $54,333.40

Position Standards:

• Where appropriate, assesses the developmental level of students using a standardized assessment tool, as well as conduct on-going assessment.
• Plans and implements an instructional program which meets the individual age-appropriate educational needs of each child and is based on the designated curriculum of the program. Writes IEP (for special needs children), progress notes and weekly lesson plans. Maintains portfolio of student work.
• Organizes and maintains an environment which facilitates children’s learning, including use of space, selection of materials, scheduling and behavior management.
• Directs classroom support staff in the assessment, planning and carrying out of the educational program, including usage of classroom computers.
• Confers with related service staff where appropriate to ensure the implementation of therapy goals (OT, PT and speech) in the classroom.
• Develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals, maintains positive social-emotional climate which enhances the performance of staff and self-concept of children.
• Works with parents/guardians through informal communications, a daily log, conferences, newsletters, Open House, volunteer opportunities and annual review (for classified students) to share knowledge of children and achieve common goals.
• Attends professional/general staff meetings and in-service training within the agency, district and community. Shares knowledge with other teaching staff (Minimum of 30 hours every 2 years.)
• Participates as an active member of the Advisory Board.
• Shares knowledge of children with other professionals in order to meet child’s educational needs at team meetings and School District CPSE/CSE meetings. 
• Provides an adequate and safe level of supervision to students and where a question rises as to the level of adequacy seeks guidance from Preschool Director. 
• Attends all curriculum training sessions and implements the program fully within the classroom, including utilization of assessment tools.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.  
• Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
• Will incorporate core concepts of CQL philosophy into day-to-day operation and support methods.
• Supports agency vision and mission.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and safety to others. 
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor, program director, or as circumstances warrant.
• Will hold employees under their supervision accountable for position standards in their job descriptions
• Will complete performance evaluations for all staff under supervision at least annually
• Will regularly evaluate internal systems and make recommendations for improvements in efficiency, productivity and accountability.

This is a full time, benefits eligible position.

Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401-k, paid school holidays, snow days and delays, personal and sick time accruals, and On Demand Payment - access your earnings as you earn them, as early as the next day without waiting for your next paycheck! For those looking to earn more income, increased earning potential with the College of Direct Support - online classes paid for by the agency, available 3 semesters per year with a salary increase upon each completed semester, or options to work in an alternate program within the agency during the school breaks for those who wish to work 52 weeks!

Become involved in the incredible mission of Abilities First, Inc., by providing people with disabilities and their families with support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience.

Requirements

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Special Education with appropriate NYS Teaching Certification, or Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or a related field, with graduate level coursework in Special Education with NYS Provisional Certification or Certificate of Qualification. 
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation. 
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier. 

Salary : $53,222 - $54,333