Special Education Teacher, Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support (Breathe Program) - 2 Openings at

Portland Public Schools; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking dedicated Special Education Teachers for its innovative Breathe Program. This role focuses on providing specialized instruction and support to students with diverse needs, ensuring they meet their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of social and emotional learning, experience with behavioral disabilities, and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. Join a team that values diversity and is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their fullest potential through engaging, real-world learning experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; additional education and experience welcome.
• Strong understanding of social/emotional needs and de-escalation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide specially designed instruction to students with IEPs.
• Serve as case manager and oversee IEP processes.
• Collaborate with social workers and related service providers.

Skills

Knowledge of social and emotional needs

Experience in PBIS frameworks

Instruction for students with disabilities

Communication skills

Ability to relate positively to students

Experience with behavioral disabilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in applicable field

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW: Special Education Teacher, Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support (Breathe Program) - 2 Openings at King Middle, 25-26 SY
Portland Public Schools is seeking highly qualified Special Educators for our Breathe Program at King Middle School. The Special Education Teacher works with Breathe Program students in both the mainstream and Special Education setting, and collaborates with the Program Social Worker to determine optimal programming for students. The teacher is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services in students’ Individual Education Plans and providing specialized instruction to ensure that each student progresses in meeting IEP goals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide evidence-based specially designed instruction to students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) to ensure that each student progresses in meeting the district’s learning benchmarks
• Serve as case manager for each student, overseeing IEPs and conducting IEP meetings
• Ensure compliance with requirements in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101 including timelines related to the IEP process and IEP development
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, PPS policy and administrative regulation
• Support students with Emotional Disturbances and Other Health Impairments
• Create meaningful Positive Behavior Support plans
• Collaborate with the Program Social Worker, School Principals, and other related service providers (SLPs, OT, PT, etc.)
• Consult with regular education teachers on a recurring basis regarding educational needs, accommodations, and modifications; provide academic support for mainstream classroom assignments
• Administer academic achievement assessments for initial referrals and triennial reviews
• Develop pathways to support students’ progress toward meeting academic standard
• Attend meetings, professional development and in-service training
• Coordinate ed techs' schedules to best support students in mainstream classes
• Takes all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Communicate student progress with parents/guardians
• Support students’ transition from 8th to 9th grade and assist with post-secondary planning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and a keen understanding of the social and emotional needs of students, knowing de-escalation strategies as well as long-term planning necessary
• Strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students’ social/emotional growth
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities
• Ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff
• 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
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Experience working with behavioral disabilities, experience with standards-based experiential and/or expeditionary learning

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience are welcome
• Portland Public Schools values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info).
• Maine State Teacher Certificate with at least one of the following endorsements (more info):
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, K-8)
  • Endorsement 286 (Severe Impaired, K-12)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• School-year position
• Full Time, 1.0 FTE
• Permanent
• Not eligible for overtime

ABOUT KING:
A School for All: King Middle School is one of three public middle schools in the city of Portland, Maine. Our school has a rigorous curriculum that promotes a high level of student engagement through real-world learning. It has strong fieldwork and service components that connect our students to the greater community. At King, we are committed to the belief that every student can and should achieve at a high level. We are proud to cater to a diverse group of 500 students, hailing from various racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. With over half of our students living in multilingual households and representing 29 different birth nations, King isn't just a school—it's a reflection of our global community. As an Expeditionary Learning School, King Middle School students engage in ten-to-twelve week experiential learning expeditions. Learning expeditions are long-term, in-depth, interdisciplinary studies into real world compelling topics. Students at King engage in two different learning expeditions per year, one in the fall and one in the spring.