Special Education Teacher self-contained classroom program (K-5)

Salem School District; Salem (NH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem School District is looking for a dedicated Special Education Teacher to lead the LEAP program for K-5 students with significant disabilities. The teacher will design comprehensive curriculums focusing on functional and academic skills while managing IEP compliance and delivering specialized instruction. Candidates must hold or be eligible for NHDOE Certification. Experience in self-contained or intensive needs environments is preferred. This role emphasizes collaboration and adaptability to ensure student success.

Qualifications

• Must hold NHDOE Endorsement #1900 for General Special Education or be eligible.
• Preferred candidates enrolled in NHDOE Alternative Certification program.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in special education, preferably in intensive needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive curriculum for functional academics.
• Serve as Case Manager ensuring IEP compliance and progress monitoring.
• Provide specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs.

Skills

Adaptability

Collaboration

Data Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field

Job description

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Learning Experiences and Alternative Program (K-5)

Job Summary

Salem School District is seeking a dedicated and highly organized Special Education Teacher to lead our self‑contained intensive needs program, the LEAP program. This program serves students with significant learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and/or multiple disabilities. The successful candidate will oversee a specialized classroom environment that prioritizes both academic access and functional life skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Design and implement a comprehensive self‑contained curriculum focusing on functional academics, communication, and life skills.
• Case Management: Serve as the primary Case Manager for all students within the program, ensuring IEP compliance, progress monitoring, and seamless service delivery.
• Functional & Life Skills Instruction: Develop and lead both academic and functional instruction to generalize life skills in real world settings.
• Direct Instruction: Provide specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs.
• Consultation & Support: Act as a resource to general education teachers, providing strategies for inclusion, modifications, and behavioral support for students with complex needs.
• Staff Supervision: Provide daily direction and support to assigned paraprofessionals or registered behavior technicians (RBTs) within the classroom.

Required Qualifications & Credentials

• NH Certification: Must hold (or be eligible for) NHDOE Endorsement #1900 (General Special Education).
• Preferred: Candidates currently enrolled in a NHDOE Alternative Certification program (Statement of Eligibility/Site Based Learning Plan) who possess significant experience with intensive‑needs populations.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field (e.g., Speech‑Language Pathology, Psychology, or Rehabilitative Services), provided the candidate has completed a state‑approved educator preparation program.
• Experience: A minimum of 35 years of experience in special education is preferred, with specific experience in self‑contained or intensive needs settings.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Adaptability: Skill in modifying general education curriculum into accessible, functional units for students with significant cognitive delays.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to consult with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP) and general education colleagues.
• Data Management: Proficiency in tracking behavioral and academic data to drive IEP goal revisions.