Itinerant Pre-K Special Education Teacher - District Wide

TrulyHired; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland Public Schools in Maine seeks an itinerant Pre-K Special Education Teacher to support students with disabilities across district sites. You will deliver specially designed instruction and coach classroom staff to implement IEP goals.

Role combines direct service with adult coaching, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and data-driven progress monitoring. Travel between district locations is required, and commitment to inclusive practices is essential.

Qualifications

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization.
• Maine State Teaching Certificate with endorsements 282, 286 (660 preferred).
• Travel between district sites is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction aligned with students' IEPs across Pre-K settings.
• Plan and implement individualized/small-group instruction toward developmental and early academic skills.
• Develop and modify instructional plans to meet diverse Pre-K needs.
• Create structured, engaging environments promoting independence and inclusion.
• Support participation in general education Pre-K classrooms.
• Consult and coach teachers and related staff to implement strategies and accommodations.
• Be a key resource for problem-solving student needs across the district.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align instructional practices.
• Monitor progress and adjust instruction based on data.
• Maintain records and ensure IDEA/state compliance; build family partnerships.

Skills

Early childhood development

IEP goals

Adult coaching

Inclusion practices

Collaboration

Data collection

Education

Maine Teaching Certificate with Disabilities endorsements (282/286)

Job description

Job Description

Title: Itinerant Pre-K Special Education Teacher District Wide

Position Overview

Portland Public Schools seeks a skilled, collaborative, and dedicated Special Education Teacher to support Pre-K students in an itinerant, district-wide role. This position provides specially designed instruction across multiple early childhood settings, ensuring that young learners with disabilities receive high-quality, inclusive educational experiences aligned with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

This role has a strong emphasis on both direct service and adult coaching. The teacher will deliver individualized and small-group instruction, while also serving as a key resource and first line of support for classroom educators, Education Technicians, and related service providers. Through consultation and collaboration, this position helps ensure consistent, effective implementation of instructional and behavioral strategies across settings to address student's IEP goals.

This is an opportunity to have a broad, district-wide impact by strengthening inclusive practices, supporting early childhood teams, and building cohesive systems of support for Pre-K students.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction aligned with students' IEPs in a variety of early childhood settings
• Plan and implement individualized and small-group instruction to support developmental, functional, and early academic skills; related to students IEP goals
• Develop, select, and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the diverse needs of Pre-K learners
• Create structured, engaging learning environments that promote student independence, participation, and inclusion
• Support students' successful participation in general education Pre-K classrooms
• Serve in a consultation and coaching role with classroom teachers, Education Technicians, and related service providers to support implementation of instructional strategies, accommodations, and IEP goals
• Act as a key resource and first line of support for Pre-K teams when problem-solving student needs or classroom challenges for students in referral or with IEPs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment of instructional practices and services
• Monitor and evaluate student progress and adjust instruction based on data
• Maintain appropriate records, ensure compliance with timelines, and follow all required procedures in alignment with IDEA and state regulations
• Build and sustain strong, respectful partnerships with families
• Communicate effectively and consistently with students, parents, and staff
• Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong background in early childhood development
• Deep understanding of the teaching and learning process for students with disabilities
• Knowledge of inclusive practices and behavioral supports for young children
• Ability to coach and support adults in implementing effective instructional and behavioral strategies
• Strong collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and a commitment to equitable and inclusive practices
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office staff, families, and community partners
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Data collection skills to document progress towards student's IEP goals and assess the efficacy of evidence based practices
• Knowledge and understanding of dual language learners and supporting young children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Special Requirements

• This position serves multiple district sites; travel between locations is required
• This role supports a manageable caseload across Pre-K programs

Credential Requirements

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization. (more info)
• 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)
  • Endorsement 660 (ESOL PK-12) - preferred

Employment Details

• [HR will fill in]

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.