Floating Classroom Teacher - LaGrange School Program

Abilities First, Inc.; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Floating Teacher to join their interdisciplinary team in Poughkeepsie, NY. This role focuses on providing tailored educational programming for school-age children with diverse abilities. You will assess individual needs, develop curriculum, and coordinate support staff to ensure a positive learning environment. The position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of students, fostering their independence and growth. Join a mission-driven organization that values collaboration and celebrates individuality while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Personal, sick, and holiday time off

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

On Demand Pay

Employee discounts with Verizon and AT&T

Qualifications

• Master's degree in special education or related field required.
• Ability to assist students with physical needs, including lifting.

Responsibilities

• Assess individual student needs and plan appropriate educational programming.
• Coordinate classroom support staff and implement IEPs.
• Maintain a structured and supportive classroom environment.

Skills

Patient Communication

Curriculum Planning

Behavior Management

Interpersonal Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Master’s Degree in Special Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or Related Field

Job description

Description

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services— are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Floating Teacher for our LaGrange School program located in Poughkeepsie, NY. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all school-age children at every level of ability. As a Floating Teacher you are responsible, through the use of the integrated services model, for the assessment of each student’s individual needs, curriculum planning and development, carryover of therapy goals into the classroom setting and coordination of the classroom support staff.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-3:00pm, 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program)

Pay Range: $27.15 - $32.15

Responsibilities:

• The classroom teacher uses standardized and non-standardized assessment tools to determine the current level of performance of each student.
• The classroom teacher coordinates the planning and implementation of an instructional program that needs the individual age-appropriate educational needs of each student in the classroom.
• The classroom teacher writes IEP’s monthly progress notes and weekly lesson plans.
• The classroom teacher organizes and maintains a neat and structured environment, which assists the facilitation of each student’s learning, which includes the use of space, selection of materials, scheduling, and behavior management.
• Then classroom teacher coordinates classroom support staff the assessment, planning and implementation of each student’s IEP.
• The classroom teacher assists in the classroom according to staffing patterns and students’ needs (changing diapers, assistance with toileting, assistance with feeding) leading by example.
• The classroom teacher escorts and assists students to and from the bus providing opportunities for student’s increased independence in orientation and mobility.
• The classroom teacher observes and arranges for staff to observe related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and vision services to ensure the execution of those goals in the classroom. The classroom teacher should also encourage the “push-in” model of therapy within the classroom environment, when appropriate.
• The classroom teacher develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals, maintains a good social-emotional climate, which serves to enhance the overall performance of the classroom staff, as well as creating the positive self-esteem of each student.
• The classroom teacher attends professional/general staff meetings and in service training within the agency and throughout the community and shares that knowledge with other members of the staff.
• The classroom teacher shares knowledge of the student with other professionals in order to appropriately meet each student’s educational needs at classroom Team Meetings, Doctor’s Conferences and School. District Committee on Special Education Annual Meetings.
• The classroom teacher provides and maintains a sufficient and safe level of supervision of each student for the amount of time that is spent in school.
• The classroom teacher follows all agency policies and procedures and demonstrates a continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• The classroom teacher performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.

Perks & Benefits:

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan for The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

Requirements

• Master’s degree in special education with appropriate NYS Teaching Certification, or bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field, with graduate level coursework in Special Education with NYS Provisional Certification or Certificate of Qualification.
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

A Note on Qualifications:

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization