Special Education Teacher, K-2 Beach Program (ASD) - Presumpscot Elementary

Job Description

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Beach Program (ASD) - Presumpscot Elementary

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools seeks an outstanding, collaborative Special Educator to teach students in the K-2 Beach Program at Presumpscot Elementary School. The Beach Program is embedded at several schools throughout the district and serves students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or other neurodevelopmental and communication disorders in grades K12. The Beach Program assists these students in learning to function as independently as possible by strengthening and building academic and adaptive skills, functional communication, and positive behaviors.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide systematic, evidence-based programming to address characteristics of ASD that are interfering with the success of students in the program, in collaboration with other professionals such as the SLP, OT, PT and BCBA
• Provide evidence-based instruction, grounded in the district curriculum, to students with disabilities to ensure that each student progresses in meeting the district's learning benchmarks
• Provide specially designed instruction to students in the program, based on their Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Consult with general education teachers and any other professionals on a regular basis, regarding the educational needs, accommodations, and modifications in the general education setting of students in the program
• Serve as case manager and oversee each student's IEP, in compliance with all requirements in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101
• Lead regular program team meetings
• Manage schedules and create lesson plans for educational technicians who work in the program
• Review records, observe, and provide feedback for any students who are being considered for placement in the program as part of their IEP process
• Provide assistance with students' personal care and adaptive skills, as needed
• Attend all required school staff meetings, professional development, and in-service training
• Monitor data documentation for MaineCare services (Sections 65 & 28)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of special education, including the development of specially designed instruction and a strong background in case management
• Experience working with students on the autism spectrum, with proficiency or the willingness to become proficient with the National Professional Development Center's (NPDC) 27 Evidence-Based Practices for Individuals with ASD
• The ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff is essential in this position
• Comfort with web-based IEP management programs and curriculum
• Understanding of and experience with ABA programming is preferred
• Equity focused, with experience working in diverse districts preferred

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in special education required
• Masters in Special Education preferred
• Experience in special education (includes internships and field placements)

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State Teacher Certification with at least one of the following endorsements (more info):
  • Endorsement 286 (Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, K-12)
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, K-8)
• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info) **
  • **if you already have an active teacher certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your teacher certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, lifting and/or carrying up to 25 pounds to waist height, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms in all of the District's locations.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Additional professional development opportunities are available, including mentoring in evidence-based ASD education and BCBA supervision
• Training in Safety Care or CPI is required

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

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.