Special Education Teacher, Functional Academics - Deering High

Job Description

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Functional Academics - Deering High

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Deering High School is seeking an outstanding, collaborative Special Educator to teach students who qualify for a specialized Functional Academics (FA) class, which offers a modified academic learning environment tailored to meet individual needs.

Students in this program will have varying levels of independent living skills and will need specific supports to access their education. Instruction will be specially designed and based on students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, cognitive abilities, and achievement levels. A functional approach to learning is essential, which means that IEP goals may differ from those of other special education students. Students may receive instruction in math, English Language Arts (ELA), social studies, or science within this Functional Academics class, depending on their individual needs.

The successful candidate will be adept at providing an atmosphere and an environment conducive to the academic, social and emotional development of individuals that ensure equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and adjusting curricular and instructional materials to monitor student progress and meet the needs of a range of learners. Communicating and interacting with students, parents, colleagues and community members are essential in this role.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for assigned students in compliance with federal and state regulations
• Conduct and facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring collaboration with parents, general education teachers, related service providers, and other stakeholders
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress reports, assessments, and compliance records
• Design and deliver specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs within a functional academic curriculum
• Utilize evidence-based teaching strategies to promote student growth in academics, life skills, and social-emotional development
• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and support students in developing self-regulation and social skills
• Collaborate with behavioral specialists, school counselors, general education teachers, and other support staff to address student needs
• Serve as the primary point of contact for families, ensuring consistent communication regarding student progress and needs
• Partner with transition coordinators, vocational training programs, and community agencies to support students' post-secondary planning
• Stay current with special education laws, policies, and best practices to ensure program compliance and effectiveness
• Participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to school-wide initiatives supporting students with disabilities
• Conduct formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress
• Use data to inform instruction and adjust IEPs and teaching strategies

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in using technology and adaptive tools to support student learning
• Ability to differentiate instruction and adapt teaching methods to meet diverse student needs

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• 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 (more info):
  • Endorsement 286 (Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, PK-12)
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, 7-12)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• School-year position
• Permanent
• Full Time, 1.0 FTE
• Salaried position, not eligible for overtime
• Covered under the PEA contract (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT DEERING HIGH:

We are a comprehensive public high school serving about 900 students. As one of the most diverse schools in Maine, we are committed to disrupting inequities in our community by creating a joyful place of learning designed to ensure that every student succeeds.

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Welcome to ATX Learning

Maine's largest school system has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools serving nearly 7,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as about 4,700 adult learners.

The district takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant city with a thriving arts life. Schools draw on the resources offered by museums, theaters, local businesses and the city's colleges and universities.

Portland has a highly trained teaching staff. Many teachers hold advanced degrees. All of the district's teachers continue their education by pursuing professional development activities on a regular basis.

The district provides technology to support instruction, including laptops for each student in grades seven through 12 and wireless access at all schools.

Volunteers, parent-teacher organizations and businesses donate generously of their time and money to the district - an estimated 100,000 hours per year.

Graduates of the Portland Public Schools attend the country's top colleges and universities. See www.portlandschools.org for colleges attended by recent graduates.

The Portland Public Schools gives parents an array of program choices. The district as one of the first in the country to offer project-based Expeditionary Learning from kindergarten through 12th grade.

High school students have access to one of the broadest selections of Advanced Placement courses in Maine. Qualified high school students may take up to two college courses with tuition paid by the state. A regional arts and technology high school provides hands-on courses in growth fields such as health care, robotics and "green" construction.

More than 60 languages are spoken by students attending the Portland Public Schools. Multilingual students represent about a quarter of the district's enrollment. The district's diversity prepares all students for their roles as world citizens.

Portland residents can pursue lifelong learning and professional success through the academic, jobs skills and enrichment courses offered by Portland Adult Education.

Most of Portland's middle and high school students participate actively in co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama, music and service clubs. Portland students regularly excel in academic and athletic competitions at the regional, state and even national level.

See a list of recent honors, awards and recognition for the Portland Public Schools at: www.portlandschools.org. Join Portland ME Public Schools on Facebook. A focus on service learning-connecting the schools to the wider community-results in students undertaking many projects that benefit greater Portland.