Middle School Special Education Teacher

Schenectady City School District; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Schenectady City School District seeks a dedicated Special Education Teacher to provide specialized instruction and meet diverse student needs under IEP goals. Reporting to the Building Principal and Special Education Division, you will adapt strategies to support equitable outcomes.

Ideal candidates are skilled in collaboration, patience, and evidence-based practices, fostering inclusive environments for all learners while working with paraprofessionals and other professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in special education or a related field.
• New York State teaching license in required content area.
• Commitment to equity and inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Provides research-based specialized instruction aligned with each student’s IEP.
• Assesses student progress and adjusts instruction as needed.
• Employs varied teaching methods to meet IEP goals.
• Develops and implements annual IEPs for students.
• Creates a positive, individualized learning environment.
• Supervises and evaluates educational paraprofessionals as directed.
• Maintains classroom structure and district policies for student conduct.
• Collaborates with educators and community service providers.

Skills

Clear communication

Critical thinking

Collaboration

Patience

Differentiated instruction

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Special Education

Job description

Special Education Teacher Role

This position reports to the Building Principal and Special Education Division. The Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of all students with disabilities. This position requires a high degree of adaptability, attention to diversity and equitable outcomes.

Special Education Teacher Expectations

• Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP;
• Assesses student progress and determines the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques;
• Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals;
• Develops and implements annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students;
• Creates a positive learning experience with emphasis in individualized instruction using appropriate sources;
• Provides direction, supervision and evaluation of educational paraprofessionals as directed;
• Employs and implements a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect consistent with district policies and procedures;
• Collaborates and consults with educational professionals and community service providers regarding the needs of students;
• Performs other comparable duties of a like or similar nature apparent or as assigned.

Special Education Teacher Key Qualities

• Relishes using multiple communication methods that are tailored to and facilitate productive conversations with different stakeholders;
• Applies the critical thinking skills needed to adapt instructional practices to support student growth;
• Builds positive and collaborative working relationships with colleagues;
• Practices patience with all students, families and colleagues;
• Always seeking new ways to teach students the way they learn.

About Schenectady City Schools

With a population of nearly 10,000 students, the Schenectady City School District is one of the largest in the Capital Region. With an incredibly diverse population we are committed to ensuring that all children feel valued, are safe and will learn. We place the highest priority on a culture of equity, ensuring that race, economics, and disability are never predictors of student achievement. Every child in our district counts and will be supported each step of the way, along the path to graduation.

The Schenectady City School District is committed to hiring members of protected classes and residents of the City of Schenectady. For more information on the District’s recruitment and hiring plan, please contact the Human Resources Office at 881-2000 ext. 40133. The Schenectady City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race or gender. This policy is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Regulations and By-Laws of the Board of Education of the Schenectady City School District.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelors or Masters Degree.
• Current New York State teaching license in required content area.