Special Education Teacher, Functional Life Skills - Deering High

Job Description

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Functional Life Skills - Deering High

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Functional Life Skills (FLS) Special Education Teacher will provide specially designed instruction in a High School Life Skills classroom to students with Individual Education Plans. Students in the FLS program have a wide range of support needs, including multiple disabilities.They will also provide consultation and collaboration with related service providers and general education teachers on a regular basis regarding students' educational needs, accommodations, and modifications. This includes frequent co-teaching and collaboration with the second FLS teacher. Successfully co-leading a team of program staff is required, as is the ability to create positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. This position is directly supported by the building-based Special Education Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the special education case manager for the students served on their caseload, including:
  • Conducting collaborative IEP meetings that draw on the expertise of families, school-based staff, and related service providers
  • Writing IEP goals that address both academic and functional transition skills
  • Maintaining accurate and complete records as required by law, PPS policy, and administrative regulation
• Plans and executes all aspects of the Functional Life Skills academic program, including:
  • Establishing learning objectives consistent with an appraisal of student needs, requirements of PPS curricula framework, and knowledge of human growth and development
  • Providing instructional programming to meet the needs of all students and achieve IEP goals
  • Creating a classroom environment that enables each student to achieve learning objectives and provides for student involvement in the learning process
• Consults with related service providers, general education teachers, and others to meet the needs of students on caseload
• Collaborates with the other FLS teacher and the Special Education Coordinator, and oversees day-to-day work of FLS Ed Techs to meet student needs
• Takes all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Establishes relationships with colleagues, students, parents and community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual
• Appraises their own effectiveness and demonstrates successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness; strives to maintain and improve professional competence
• Participates in school management and shares responsibility for the total school program
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required
• Performs related work as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• An unwavering respect for FLS students and a belief in their capacity to learn, grow, and achieve IEP goals
• Knowledge of legal requirements and processes for students with disabilities, including writing IEPs and managing Written Notices within legal timeframes
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with moderate to severe disabilities, including multiple disabilities
• Demonstrated ability to develop working knowledge of PPS curriculum, techniques for integrating curriculum, PPS policies, and effective instructional practices
• Ability to develop and deliver standards-based, specially designed instruction (SDI) across curricular disciplines and grade levels, that meet varied individual needs
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Ability to effectively work with a co-teacher to manage the program and meet student needs
• Ability to lead therapeutic and instructional team, balancing being responsive to staff needs while making decisions grounded in best practice, data, IEPs, and legal requirements
• Ability to infuse technology into curricula
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, support staff, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills
• Willingness to reflect on personal implicit bias and a commitment to challenging personal perspectives and deepening self-awareness
• Knowledge of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable field of special education from an accredited college or university
• Experience as a special education teacher and case manager, especially in an FLS setting or other specialized program, highly preferred
• Experience with Acuity and Google suite, preferred
• Certified in CPI and/or SafetyCare or able to be certified
• Combinations of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, will determine salary

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with implementing PSPs and ITPs
• Ability to physically assist students (lift up to 35 pounds) to support students to perform adaptive living and self-care skills, if assigned to work with non-ambulatory students
• Frequent bending, walking, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 35 pounds may be required; whenever a staff member is responsible for more than 35 pounds of a student's weight, additional staff will be required to lift the student safely (2-person requirement)
• Mechanical lifts will be considered and provided on an individual as-needed basis
• Additional demands may require moving wheelchairs, assisting with toileting, feeding, and other daily living activities

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State Teacher Certificate with at least one of the following endorsements (more info):
  • 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, 7-12)
  • 286 (Teacher of Children 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: 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

ABOUT DEERING:

Deering is a comprehensive public high school serving about 800 students. As the most diverse school in Maine, we are committed to disrupting inequities in our community by creating a joyful place of learning that ensures every student succeeds. As part of Portland Public Schools, Deering promotes district goals as outlined in the Portland Promise, and is guided by our district's Instructional Vision, which prioritizes inclusive classroom environments, active learning, high expectations, culturally responsive teaching, an assets-based approach, collaboration, and assessments for learning.

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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.