Special Education Teacher - Functional Life Skills Program - Kennebunk High School
- TrulyHired
- Kennebunk, ME, USA
- Jun 08, 2026
Job Description
Job Description
Special Education Teacher - Functional Life Skills Program - Kennebunk High School
Reports To: Building Principal and Director of Special Services
Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Director of Special Services, the Special Education Teacher is responsible for maximizing the learning experience of students with special needs in the areas of academics, interpersonal skills, communication, and activities of daily living. The teacher documents instructional activities, student progress, and outcomes; addresses students' individual educational, behavioral, and functional needs; and provides a safe, structured, and optimal learning environment within a self-contained Functional Life Skills classroom.
Salary Range: $57,392 - $109,152 annually, pursuant to the KAKEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix I Salary Scale (2026-2027)
Position Summary
The mission of Kennebunk High School is to develop productive global citizens, and we work collectively to live that mission every day in everything we do. Kennebunk High School is an exceptionally well-resourced and supportive learning community committed to adjusting practices to best meet the needs of every student we serve.
RSU 21 is seeking a dedicated, student-centered, and empathetic Special Education Teacher to join our team. The successful candidate will design, coordinate, and provide specially designed instruction and related services that support students with disabilities in achieving meaningful academic, social, functional, and post-secondary outcomes.
Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Director of Special Services, the Special Education Teacher is responsible for maximizing the learning experience of students with disabilities in the areas of academics, interpersonal skills, communication, independence, and activities of daily living. The teacher documents instructional activities and student progress, develops and implements individualized programming, addresses students' unique educational and functional needs, and provides a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment. This position includes responsibility for a self-contained Functional Life Skills classroom serving students with significant support needs.
The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and instructional skills and will work closely with students, families, Educational Technicians, related service providers, and general education staff.
Qualifications
Maine Department of Education Certification Endorsement 282: Teacher of Children with Disabilities required.
Valid Maine Department of Education Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) required.
Successful experience working with school-aged children preferred.
Experience working with students with mild to severe disabilities preferred.
Experience supporting students in functional life skills, transition, vocational, and community-based programming preferred.
Strong background in differentiated instruction, behavior support, and individualized educational programming.
Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Essential Responsibilities
Provide specially designed instruction through planning and delivering high-quality, differentiated educational programming.
Provide instruction in functional academics, independent living skills, vocational readiness, social-emotional development, communication, and community access.
Coordinate and supervise Educational Technicians and other support staff assigned to student programs.
Analyze assessment and performance data to design and adjust instruction based on student needs.
Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Maintain special education documentation and records in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Maintain current knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
Attend and facilitate special education meetings, including IEP, annual review, and reevaluation meetings.
Communicate effectively with students, families, teachers, related service providers, and community agencies.
Maintain accurate records for annual reviews, triennial evaluations, and progress monitoring.
Provide regular progress reports to parents and guardians at least quarterly and as needed.
Provide consultation and support to families regarding student programming and services.
Collaborate with outside agencies and service providers to support student needs and transition planning.
Monitor student progress and adjust educational programming to maximize outcomes.
Demonstrate leadership in transition planning, vocational programming, independent living instruction, and post-secondary readiness initiatives.
Create and maintain a safe, structured, and positive learning environment that promotes student independence and self-advocacy.
Support students with activities of daily living and collaborate with related service providers to ensure implementation of individualized supports.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Special Services.
Professional Competencies
Resourcefulness: Utilizes available tools, resources, and professional networks to support student success.
Goal-Oriented: Establishes ambitious goals and monitors progress toward measurable outcomes.
Analytical Thinking: Uses data and evidence to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
Student-Centered: Prioritizes student growth, independence, and achievement.
Motivational Leadership: Encourages and inspires students, families, and colleagues.
Collaboration: Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams to support student success.
Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively with all stakeholders.
Relationship Building: Establishes positive and productive relationships with students, families, and staff.
Physical Requirements
Ability to actively supervise students in classroom, school, community, and vocational settings.
Ability to bend, lift, kneel, transfer, and assist students with mobility and personal care needs as required.
Ability to support students during behavioral, safety-related, or emergency situations.
Ability to participate in district-approved safety, de-escalation, and physical management training.
Salary and Benefits
Regular school-year position aligned with the professional teacher work calendar.
Salary is based on the KAKEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix I Salary Scale and ranges from $57,392 to $109,152 annually, depending on education and experience.
Comprehensive benefits package in accordance with district policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development.
Reasonable Accommodations
RSU 21 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable law, unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the district.
Evaluation
Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with district policy regarding the evaluation of professional personnel.
Equal Opportunity Employer
RSU 21 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
Application Status: This position will remain open until a qualified candidate is secured.
Welcome to ATX Learning
RSU 21 encompasses the schools of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel. Situated on the Atlantic coastline 30 minutes south of Portland and 1.5 hours north of Boston, MA, our students enjoy living in one of New England's most beautiful and accessible locales. Approximately 2,600 students attend our six schools, where they are prepared for meaningful citizenship through a wide variety of academic and co-curricular programming. For further information on our school district, please check out our website: www.rsu21.net
Special Education Teacher - Functional Life Skills Program - Kennebunk High School
Reports To: Building Principal and Director of Special Services
Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Director of Special Services, the Special Education Teacher is responsible for maximizing the learning experience of students with special needs in the areas of academics, interpersonal skills, communication, and activities of daily living. The teacher documents instructional activities, student progress, and outcomes; addresses students' individual educational, behavioral, and functional needs; and provides a safe, structured, and optimal learning environment within a self-contained Functional Life Skills classroom.
Salary Range: $57,392 - $109,152 annually, pursuant to the KAKEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix I Salary Scale (2026-2027)
Position Summary
The mission of Kennebunk High School is to develop productive global citizens, and we work collectively to live that mission every day in everything we do. Kennebunk High School is an exceptionally well-resourced and supportive learning community committed to adjusting practices to best meet the needs of every student we serve.
RSU 21 is seeking a dedicated, student-centered, and empathetic Special Education Teacher to join our team. The successful candidate will design, coordinate, and provide specially designed instruction and related services that support students with disabilities in achieving meaningful academic, social, functional, and post-secondary outcomes.
Under the general supervision of the School Principal and Director of Special Services, the Special Education Teacher is responsible for maximizing the learning experience of students with disabilities in the areas of academics, interpersonal skills, communication, independence, and activities of daily living. The teacher documents instructional activities and student progress, develops and implements individualized programming, addresses students' unique educational and functional needs, and provides a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment. This position includes responsibility for a self-contained Functional Life Skills classroom serving students with significant support needs.
The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and instructional skills and will work closely with students, families, Educational Technicians, related service providers, and general education staff.
Qualifications
Maine Department of Education Certification Endorsement 282: Teacher of Children with Disabilities required.
Valid Maine Department of Education Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) required.
Successful experience working with school-aged children preferred.
Experience working with students with mild to severe disabilities preferred.
Experience supporting students in functional life skills, transition, vocational, and community-based programming preferred.
Strong background in differentiated instruction, behavior support, and individualized educational programming.
Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Essential Responsibilities
Provide specially designed instruction through planning and delivering high-quality, differentiated educational programming.
Provide instruction in functional academics, independent living skills, vocational readiness, social-emotional development, communication, and community access.
Coordinate and supervise Educational Technicians and other support staff assigned to student programs.
Analyze assessment and performance data to design and adjust instruction based on student needs.
Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Maintain special education documentation and records in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Maintain current knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
Attend and facilitate special education meetings, including IEP, annual review, and reevaluation meetings.
Communicate effectively with students, families, teachers, related service providers, and community agencies.
Maintain accurate records for annual reviews, triennial evaluations, and progress monitoring.
Provide regular progress reports to parents and guardians at least quarterly and as needed.
Provide consultation and support to families regarding student programming and services.
Collaborate with outside agencies and service providers to support student needs and transition planning.
Monitor student progress and adjust educational programming to maximize outcomes.
Demonstrate leadership in transition planning, vocational programming, independent living instruction, and post-secondary readiness initiatives.
Create and maintain a safe, structured, and positive learning environment that promotes student independence and self-advocacy.
Support students with activities of daily living and collaborate with related service providers to ensure implementation of individualized supports.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Special Services.
Professional Competencies
Resourcefulness: Utilizes available tools, resources, and professional networks to support student success.
Goal-Oriented: Establishes ambitious goals and monitors progress toward measurable outcomes.
Analytical Thinking: Uses data and evidence to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
Student-Centered: Prioritizes student growth, independence, and achievement.
Motivational Leadership: Encourages and inspires students, families, and colleagues.
Collaboration: Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams to support student success.
Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively with all stakeholders.
Relationship Building: Establishes positive and productive relationships with students, families, and staff.
Physical Requirements
Ability to actively supervise students in classroom, school, community, and vocational settings.
Ability to bend, lift, kneel, transfer, and assist students with mobility and personal care needs as required.
Ability to support students during behavioral, safety-related, or emergency situations.
Ability to participate in district-approved safety, de-escalation, and physical management training.
Salary and Benefits
Regular school-year position aligned with the professional teacher work calendar.
Salary is based on the KAKEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix I Salary Scale and ranges from $57,392 to $109,152 annually, depending on education and experience.
Comprehensive benefits package in accordance with district policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development.
Reasonable Accommodations
RSU 21 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable law, unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the district.
Evaluation
Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with district policy regarding the evaluation of professional personnel.
Equal Opportunity Employer
RSU 21 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
Application Status: This position will remain open until a qualified candidate is secured.
Welcome to ATX Learning
RSU 21 encompasses the schools of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel. Situated on the Atlantic coastline 30 minutes south of Portland and 1.5 hours north of Boston, MA, our students enjoy living in one of New England's most beautiful and accessible locales. Approximately 2,600 students attend our six schools, where they are prepared for meaningful citizenship through a wide variety of academic and co-curricular programming. For further information on our school district, please check out our website: www.rsu21.net
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