Special Education Teacher, K-2 Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support - Reiche Community School

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, K-2 Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support � Reiche Community School

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

Portland Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified Special Educator for our Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support Program at Reiche Community School. The Special Education Teacher works with students in both the mainstream and Special Education setting, and collaborates with the Program Social Worker to determine optimal programming for students. The teacher is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services in students' Individual Education Plans and providing specialized instruction to ensure that each student progresses in meeting IEP goals. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide evidence-based specially designed instruction to students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) to ensure that each student progresses in meeting the district's learning benchmarks
• Serve as case manager for each student, overseeing IEPs and conducting IEP meetings
• Ensure compliance with requirements in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101 including timelines related to the IEP process and IEP development
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, PPS policy and administrative regulation
• Support students with emotional disabilities and Other Health Impairments (OHI)
• Create meaningful Positive Behavior Support plans
• Collaborate with the Program Social Worker, School Principals, and other related service providers (SLPs, OT, PT, etc.)
• Consult with regular education teachers on a recurring basis regarding educational needs, accommodations, and modifications; provide academic support for mainstream classroom assignments
• Administer academic achievement assessments for initial referrals and triennial reviews
• Develop pathways to support students' progress toward meeting academic standard
• Attend meetings, professional development and in-service training
• Coordinate ed techs' schedules to best support students in mainstream classes
• Takes all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Communicate student progress with parents/guardians
• Support students' transition from 8th to 9th grade and assist with post-secondary planning 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and a keen understanding of the social and emotional needs of students, knowing de-escalation strategies as well as long-term planning necessary
• Strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students' social/emotional growth
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities
• Ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills
• Willingness to reflect on personal implicit bias and a commitment to challenging personal perspectives and deepening self-awareness
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Experience working with behavioral disabilities, experience with standards-based experiential and/or expeditionary learning

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• Masters in Special Education preferred
• Experience in special education (includes internships and field placements)
• Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience are welcome
• Portland Public Schools values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info).
• Maine State Teacher Certificate with at least one of the following endorsements (