Special Education Teacher - Educational Learning Experience, New Windsor

Abilities First, Inc.; Town of New Windsor (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal and sick time based on school calendar

Health, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement options

On-demand pay access

Employee discounts available

Job summary

Abilities First, Inc. is seeking a qualified Classroom Teacher for our Educational Learning Experience program in New Windsor, NY. The candidate will assess individual student needs, develop curriculum, and lead classroom support staff.

The position requires a Master’s Degree in Special Education or a Bachelor’s with relevant coursework. Responsibilities include writing IEPs, creating lesson plans, and ensuring a supportive learning environment. Join us to empower students with developmental disabilities!

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Special Education with NYS Teaching Certification required.
• Bachelor's Degree with graduate coursework in Special Education acceptable.
• Ability to assist students with physical needs required.

Responsibilities

• Use assessment tools to determine student performance levels.
• Coordinate planning and implementation of educational programs.
• Write IEPs and maintain student progress documentation.

Skills

Assessment tools usage

IEP writing

Classroom environment management

Communication skills

Team coordination

Education

Master’s Degree in Special Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related field

Job description

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities.

Who We Need

Abilities First is seeking preschool and school‑age Classroom Teachers for our Educational Learning Experience program located in New Windsor, NY. This position is responsible, through the use of the integrated services model, for the assessment of each student’s individual needs, curriculum planning and development, carryover of therapy goals into the classroom setting and coordination of the classroom support staff.

Schedule

Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:00 pm, 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6‑week summer program).

Pay Range

$52,000–$53,000 with a Bachelor's Degree
$57,000–$58,000 with a Master's Degree

Responsibilities

• The classroom teacher uses standardized and non‑standardized assessment tools to determine the current level of performance of each student.
• The classroom teacher coordinates the planning and implementation of an instructional program that addresses the individual, age‑appropriate educational needs of each student in the classroom.
• The classroom teacher writes IEPs, monthly progress notes, and weekly lesson plans.
• The classroom teacher organizes and maintains a neat and structured environment, which assists the facilitation of each student’s learning, including the use of space, selection of materials, scheduling, and behavior management.
• The classroom teacher coordinates classroom support staff in the assessment, planning and implementation of each student’s IEP.
• The classroom teacher assists in the classroom according to staffing patterns and students’ needs (changing diapers, assistance with toileting, assistance with feeding) leading by example.
• The classroom teacher escorts and assists students to and from the bus, providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in orientation and mobility.
• The classroom teacher observes and arranges for staff to observe related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and vision services to ensure the execution of those goals in the classroom. The classroom teacher should also encourage the “push‑in” model of therapy within the classroom environment when appropriate.
• The classroom teacher develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals, maintains a good socio‑emotional climate, and enhances the overall performance of the classroom staff while fostering the positive self‑esteem of each student.
• The classroom teacher attends professional/general staff meetings and in‑service training within the agency and throughout the community and shares that knowledge with other members of the staff.
• The classroom teacher shares knowledge of the student with other professionals to appropriately meet each student’s educational needs at classroom team meetings, doctor’s conferences and school/district committee on special education annual meetings.
• The classroom teacher provides and maintains a sufficient and safe level of supervision of each student for the amount of time that is spent in school.
• The classroom teacher follows all agency policies and procedures and demonstrates a continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• The classroom teacher performs other appropriate job‑related activities as required by immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of corporate compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
• Adheres to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, requiring all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.

Perks & Benefits

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan for the Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer‑paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills – Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On‑Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Special Education with appropriate NYS Teaching Certification, or Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or a related field, with graduate‑level coursework in Special Education and NYS Provisional Certification or Certificate of Qualification.
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Valid NYS driver’s license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.