Special Education Teacher, Resource Room - Talbot Community School, 26-27 SY

Job Description

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Resource Room - Talbot Community School, 26-27 SY

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified Special Educator for our Resource Room at Talbot Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. The Special Education 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. Applicant should have a strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students' social/emotional growth. The ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff is essential to this position.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver evidence-based Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and ensure student progress toward IEP goals.
• Act as case manager, ensuring compliance with Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101 for IEP development and timelines.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers (OT/PT/Speech), and staff.
• Administer academic assessments for evaluations and attend required meetings and professional development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to implement PPS curriculum, policies, and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to deliver standards-based SDI across diverse grade levels and subjects.
• Experience in leading therapeutic, instructional teams through collaboration.
• Understanding of teaching students with disabilities, particularly within a resource/specialized setting.
• Commitment to culturally responsive instruction, technology integration, and positive behavioral interventions (PBIS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to self-awareness regarding implicit bias.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable education field.
• Strongly values candidates with bilingual skills, reflecting the district's diversity.

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization.
• Maine State Teacher Certificate with one or both of the following endorsements (more info):
  • 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, K-6 or K-8)
  • 286 (Teacher of Children with Severe Disabilities, PK-12)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT TALBOT:

Gerald E. Talbot Community School is a Pre-K through Grade 5 school of nearly 400 students named in honor of Gerald E. Talbot, one of the most cherished and respected community leaders in Portland, ME. We are proud of our diverse population of learners from around the world, who speak 23 different languages. Talbot is a Title I school and is also recognized by the MDOE as a community school, which means we focus on meeting not only the academic needs of our students but also their broader developmental needs, including ensuring their physical and mental health, promoting their social and community engagement and supporting and strengthening their families and neighborhood. In addition to housing one of the district's functional life skills (FLS) programs, our building is also shared with a branch of the Portland Public Library, a Greater Portland Health dental office, and space for the Recreation Department of Portland Parks and Recreation, including a community swimming pool.

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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.