Special Education Teacher – 8:1:2 Special Class, Todd Elementary School, Communications Program 26-27

Position: Special Education Teacher � 8:1:2 Special Class
Full Time: 1.0 FTE
Tenure-Track: Yes
Location: Todd Elementary School, Grades K�5
Effective Date: August 31, 2026
Minimum NYS Certification Required: Special Education Severe Disabilities; K�12 Special Education with extension/annotation in Behavior
Salary: Competitive Salary Range within the Briarcliff Teachers' Association Salary Scale

Position Overview

Todd Elementary School is seeking a collaborative, student-centered Special Education Teacher to lead an 8:1:2 special class serving elementary-aged students with significant and diverse learning needs.

The program provides a structured, supportive, and language-rich environment designed to address students' individualized academic, communication, social-emotional, behavioral, sensory, and functional needs. The successful candidate will provide specialized instruction while promoting student independence, communication, self-regulation, social development, and meaningful participation in the broader school community.

Responsibilities

The Special Education Teacher will:

• Plan and deliver individualized instruction aligned with students' IEP goals and learning needs.
• Differentiate instruction across a range of developmental and academic levels.
• Create a structured and supportive classroom environment that promotes communication, engagement, independence, and self-regulation.
• Utilize visual supports, AAC, assistive technology, sensory strategies, and positive behavioral supports as appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals and use progress-monitoring data to inform instruction.
• Collaborate closely with teaching assistants/aides, related service providers, behavior specialists, psychologists, and general education staff.
• Provide leadership and direction to classroom support staff to ensure consistent implementation of student programs and supports.
• Facilitate meaningful opportunities for inclusion, peer interaction, and participation in the school community.
• Maintain collaborative communication with families and participate in CSE meetings, team meetings, and professional development.

Program Highlights

• Small class size and intensive support through an 8:1:2 instructional model.
• Individualized, language-rich instruction.
• Integrated communication, AAC, sensory, and behavioral supports.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration with speech-language therapy, OT, PT, behavioral support, counseling, and other related services.
• Explicit instruction in communication, social skills, self-regulation, and independence.
• Inclusive opportunities with general education peers, including peer partnerships and reverse integration when appropriate.
• Access to art, music, physical education, and other schoolwide enrichment opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an 8:1:2, 8:1:1, or similarly specialized setting.
• Background or experience in behavioral intervention and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based approaches, including the use of data to understand behavior, teach replacement skills, and promote student independence.
• Experience supporting students with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, communication disorders, and/or complex learning needs.
• Knowledge of evidence-based specialized instruction, AAC, visual supports, positive behavioral interventions, and sensory-informed practices.
• Strong skills in IEP development, progress monitoring, and data-based decision-making.
• Ability to effectively lead classroom support staff and collaborate with families, general education teachers, and multidisciplinary teams.