Pre-K Special Education Co-Teacher - Pre-K Classroom at PATHS

Job Description

TITLE: Pre-K Special Education Co-Teacher - Pre-K Classroom at PATHS

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Pre-K Special Education Co-Teacher provides specially designed instruction and supports within inclusive early childhood classrooms for preschool-aged children with disabilities. Working in partnership with general education preschool teachers, the Co-Teacher shares responsibility for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction to ensure all students can access and participate meaningfully in the curriculum and classroom community.

The Co-Teacher collaborates with multidisciplinary team members, including related service providers and families, to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), monitor student progress, and provide instructional supports that promote student growth across developmental domains. The position fosters inclusive practices and utilizes co-teaching strategies to support children with and without disabilities in learning together within the least restrictive environment.

The Co-Teacher creates and maintains an atmosphere conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of all students. Responsibilities include developing, adapting, and implementing instructional plans; monitoring student outcomes; maintaining required records and compliance timelines; communicating effectively with families and staff; and supporting the appropriate use of instructional materials, equipment, and facilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent background in early child development
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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)
• Maine State 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

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: Lyseth Elementary Principal and Director of Pre-K
• 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

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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.