Special Education Teacher , Currently at CHMS (26-27 SY)

Bristol Public Schools; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The role involves planning and implementing IEP goals, developing behavior management systems, and collaborating with educators and support staff. Applicants should hold a BS in Special Education, and possess strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to adapt learning materials.

This position requires a valid Connecticut Teaching Certificate and offers a creative learning environment designed to foster students' growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Special Education Teacher or relevant role.
• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies.
• Ability to manage classroom crises and resolve conflict.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement academic and clinical IEP goals.
• Develop and implement an effective behavior management program.
• Collaborate with support staff to create holistic intervention plans.

Skills

Knowledge of current special education topics

Experience with a range of disabilities

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to create IEPs

Patient and resourceful personality

Education

BS in Special Education

MS in Special Education

Job description

Special Education Teacher – Current at CHMS (26-27 SY)

Department: Teacher

Reports to: Director of Pupil Personnel Services / Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services

Summary

To provide an innovative and creative learning environment which fosters students' individual growth and development in all program areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and implement academic and clinical IEP goals through continuous assessment of each student.
• Have knowledge and an ability to apply a developmentally focused classroom structure.
• Develop and implement an integrated curriculum by sharing ideas, materials and methods with professional colleagues.
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of subject matter in areas of specialization.
• Assess students' abilities and craft teaching plans; Plan daily lessons to provide a variety of learning experiences.
• Find engaging activities to teach skills (i.e. drawing and theater drama)
• Vary instructional material and activities through a multi-modality approach.
• Develop and implement an effective behavior management program that meets the overall goals of the program.
• Manage classroom crises and resolve conflict
• Monitor children's behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed
• Maintain appropriate student records and submit required reports within a designated time period.
• Work with teachers in various disciplines.
• Work cooperatively with parents to maintain ongoing communication and provide support and resources when necessary.
• Adapt learning materials to students' needs
• Keep track of and reflect on students' needs
• Perform educational testing and evaluations in order to assess students' needs.
• Actively participate in a transdisciplinary model and demonstrate strong collaboration skills.
• Integrate the clinical group goals and objectives into the educational curricula.
• Actively participate in staff development activities to foster professional and personal growth.
• Develop student awareness and self-respect by fostering experiences that encourage students to achieve realistic and personal goals.
• Prepare students for transition to the next grade
• Inform parents about their children's performance and potential problems
• Participate in ongoing performance evaluations.
• Maintain professional competence through in-service education provided by the district and in self-selected professional growth activities.
• Serve on faculty and curriculum committees.
• Implement individual education program for special needs students.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises classroom and students (aides, volunteers and parent helpers where appropriate). Performs general supervisory duties as scheduled.
• Coach/mentor other professionals who work with children with disabilities
• Collaborate with support staff (i.e. school counselors and speech therapists) to create holistic intervention plans

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Special Education Teacher or relevant role
• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies
• Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities
• Ability to create IEPs
• A patient, resourceful and resilient personality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Education and Experience

• BS in Special Education; MS is a plus.
• Additional credits required for completion of certification requirements.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Connecticut Teaching Certificate, 165 Comprehensive Special Education, K-12

PMT TRAINING WILL BE REQUIRED AND PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations. Ability to write memos, reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Computer Skills

• Basic knowledge and experience with standard hardware and software applications. Ability to use computer for E-mail, word processing, accounting, databases and presentations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and teaching competencies to instructional program. Ability to plan and implement lessons based on school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies and the code of professional responsibility for teachers.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to fifty (50) pounds, such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, such as to read handwritten or typed material and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.

Salary

As per negotiated contract

Start Date

2026-2027 School Year