Special Education Ed Tech III - Peaks Island Elementary

Job Description

TITLE: Special Ed Ed Tech III - Peaks Island Elementary School

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools is seeking a kind and compassionate Special Education Ed Tech III to support students at Peaks Island Elementary School. Under the direction of the Principal and with guidance from the Special Education Case Manager, Ed Tech implements academic and positive behavioral support plans, helping to ensure a high-quality education program and success for every student. The Ed Tech supports student engagement in academics individually and in small groups, promoting instructional goals and motivating learning. The Ed Tech also assists with classroom management, data tracking, Mainecare billing documentation, and non-instructional duties such as supervising lunch, recess, and non-academic time.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and provide specially designed direct instruction to students individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings to students with IEPs to ensure achievement of academic goals
• Implement lesson plans and follows schedules created by the special education teacher or appropriate related service provider
• Continue planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom
• Demonstrate cultural proficiency and actively foster relationships that respect, embrace and celebrate students' diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges
• Learn about and leverage students' strengths and opportunity gaps and adapt learning methods that appropriately guide, engage and challenge student(s)
• Collect, organize, and share data to ensure proactive and ongoing communication with all relevant stakeholders in service of student achievement of academic and behavioral goals
• Foster an engaging and inclusive learning space and relationship that establishes positive student expectations conducive to learners' needs through developmentally appropriate and supportive routines and practices; manages student behavior using prescribed and adapted approaches
• Collaborate and communicate across the students' teachers and all relevant staff to ensure students receive necessary additional forms of academic assistance and/or relevant social-emotional support
• Collaborate and communicate with the students' families/caregivers and all relevant stakeholders to ensure necessary stakeholders are engaged in understanding and supporting the students' learning and social emotional needs
• Maintain FERPA and respect the confidentiality of all student and staff information
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Principal

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Understands the teaching and learning process for the applicable grade span
• Able to provide adjustments to instructional approaches and materials that reflect diverse perspectives and trauma-informed practices
• Understands data collection, organizing, and sharing best practices that support student achievement of academic and behavioral goals
• Demonstrates an equity mindset and approach to work
• Committed to challenging personal perspectives, examining one's own biases and a willingness to take feedback, learn and grow around diversity, equity and inclusion related ideas
• Able to collaborate across lines of differences with a diverse student population and staff, as well as community partners, and families/caregivers
• Engages with families/caregivers and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning
• Open to accepting new ideas
• Highly responsive and oriented towards transparency and proactive, explicit communication
• Communicates ideas in ways that demonstrate respect and are digestible for varied audiences
• Willing to take CPI and/or Behavioral Health Professional training

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Training as Behavioral Health Professional status helpful
• 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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with implementing PSPs and safety plans
• Frequent bending, walking, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 35 pounds may be required

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
• Maine State Educational Technician III (023) authorization (more info)
• CPI training certification (or ability to be certified) preferred

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of Ed Tech union (see 2024-2027 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT PEAKS:

Peaks Island School provides a unique educational setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of Peaks Island. The small student body allows for personalized instruction and strong community bonds. The curriculum leverages the island's resources, offering hands-on learning experiences in marine biology, ecology, and local history. Community events and partnerships enrich the educational experience, making the school a central hub for island residents.

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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.