Special Education Resource Teacher (Middle School)

Waterbury Public Schools; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterbury Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Resource Teacher for Middle School to provide instruction and support for special needs students. This role involves developing curricula, managing student behavior, and adapting instructional strategies to meet diverse needs.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and appropriate Connecticut teaching certification, along with strong skills in communication, assistive technology, and classroom management. Join our team to make a difference in students' academic and social development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Must have Connecticut teaching certificate with Special Education K-12 endorsement.
• Knowledge of laws, disabilities, child development, and teaching methods essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction and educational supports to special needs students.
• Develop curricula and lesson plans.
• Manage student behavior and implement IEPs.

Skills

accommodations for visual impairments

classroom and behavior management

team collaboration

stress management

organization

written and verbal communication

assistive technology

transition services

computer technology

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certification

Job description

Position: Special Education Resource Teacher (Middle School)

School: Waterbury Public Schools, Department of Special Education.

Reports to: Building Principal or District Level Administrator.

Designation: Exempt, FLSA. Bargaining unit: Waterbury Teachers’ Association CEA-NEA.

Summary

This role is accountable for providing instruction and educational supports, including case management, to special needs students and assisting them in their academic and social development.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Credentials: Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate/endorsement(s) appropriate to the teaching assignment, Comprehensive Special Education K-12—165 endorsement; may require a current Motor Vehicle Class D Operator License.
• Continuing Education: Must complete all State CEU requirements for re‑certification.
• Knowledge of current best practices, laws, IDEA, specific disabilities, mental health disorders, child development, educational philosophy, teaching methods, assessment practices, learning theory, PBIS, and SRBI.
• Skills: accommodations for visual impairments (Braille, low‑vision devices, assistive technology), classroom and behavior management, team collaboration, stress management, organization, written and verbal communication, assistive technology, signing/cued speech, transition services, computer technology, and working with a wide range of disabilities.
• Abilities: apply PBIS & SRBI, flexibility to meet changing needs, create structured environments, develop curricula and lesson plans, design assessment tools, and teach a diverse student population.

Position Supervises

• May provide work direction to paraprofessionals and clericals as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Attend staff, building, parent, team, and case management meetings.
• Consult with team members, parents, guardians, and outside agencies regarding student interventions, medications, and programmatic needs.
• Develop and manage data collection systems; analyze data to identify student needs and recommend quarterly classes.
• Utilize assessment tools and progress reports.
• Build positive relationships, counsel students, review transition activities, and provide job coaching.
• Adapt curricula and lesson plans aligned with academic standards.
• Ensure use of least restrictive environment and best practices with students.
• Handle student transportation issues and ensure student safety on school grounds.
• Participate in staff development activities.
• Provide direct instruction using individualized instruction, lectures, team teaching, hands‑on formats, and other instructional strategies.
• Manage student behavior, implement disciplinary procedures, develop and implement IEPs, reevaluate, write goals, and participate in IEP conferences.
• Order supplies and materials related to curriculum and instruction.
• Provide in‑service training to other staff.
• Serve as case manager for transition planning at Middle School and High School levels.
• Assist hearing‑impaired students on an itinerant basis.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Working Conditions, Physical and Mental Requirements

Employees must have adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, visual and auditory acuity, and maintain such fitness as required. Physical examination may be required.

Key physical demands include standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 100 lbs, handling chemicals, operating machinery, and working in varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages potential and current employees to discuss accommodations as needed.