Pre-K Special Education Teacher, Special Purpose Classrooms - Multiple Openings, 26-27 SY

Job Description

TITLE: Pre-K Special Education Teacher, Special Purpose - Multiple Openings, 26-27 SY

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools seeks skilled, compassionate, and highly structured Special Education Teachers to lead Special Purpose Pre-K classrooms serving students whose Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) require a more intensive, specialized setting. These classrooms are designed to provide intensive, individualized support within a low student-to-staff ratio environment, addressing the developmental, behavioral, communication, and learning needs of young children with disabilities.

In this role, the teacher is responsible for designing and implementing individualized and group instruction that address goals listed on student's Individual Education Programs (IEP's), creating a structured and predictable classroom environment, and leading a team of Education Technicians. This role also serves as the primary point person and first line of support for students, staff, and families, ensuring that all services are delivered in alignment with IEPs and fostering meaningful inclusion opportunities when appropriate. The teacher works in close partnership with support staff and district specialists to ensure continuity of services and alignment of practices across settings.

** NOTE: This posting represents multiple openings. **

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide specially designed instruction aligned with students' IEPs in a special purpose Pre-K classroom
• Develop and implement individualized and small-group instruction targeting functional, developmental, communication, social-emotional, and early academic skills in alignment with student's IEP goals
• Create and maintain a structured, predictable, and supportive classroom environment that promotes engagement, independence, and positive behavior
• Design and implement proactive behavioral supports and individualized intervention plans as needed
• Lead, supervise, and support Education Technicians in implementing instructional and behavioral programming with fidelity
• Serve as the primary point of contact and first line of support for classroom staff, students, and families
• Collaborate with related service providers (e.g. speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy) to ensure integrated service delivery throughout the school day
• Facilitate and support inclusion opportunities in general education Pre-K settings, as appropriate to student needs
• Partner with related service providers and other specialists to ensure consistency and alignment of instructional strategies and supports
• Monitor and document student progress; use data to inform instructional decisions and IEP development
• Maintain all required documentation and ensure compliance with timelines and procedures in alignment with IDEA and state regulations
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with families, recognizing them as essential partners in their child's education
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families, team members, and administrators

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong background in early childhood development and early learning standards
• Deep understanding of the needs of young children with significant developmental and behavioral challenges
• Experience designing and implementing structured classroom systems (e.g., visual supports, routines, and behavior systems)
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for early childhood special education, including inclusive practices and behavioral supports
• Ability to lead, coach, and supervise paraprofessional staff effectively
• Strong collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive practices
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge and understanding of dual language learners and supporting young children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Valid Maine certification for teaching young children with disabilities required
• Experience working with young children with significant developmental, communication, and/or behavioral needs preferred

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization. (more info)
• Maine State Teaching Certificate with one of the following (more info):
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, 0-5)
  • Endorsement 286 (Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, PK-12)
• Endorsement 660 (ESOL PK-12) - preferred

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.