Special Education Teacher - Mt. Ararat Middle School

ServingSchools; Topsham (ME); On-site; USD 51,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Flexible spending account (FSA)

403(b) & 457(b) plans

MainePERS

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Professional development reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Maine School Administrative District #75 invites applications for a Special Education Teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School.

The position focuses on designing and delivering specialized instruction for students with disabilities, aligned with IDEA and IEP processes, and implemented within the Least Restrictive Environment. The teacher will collaborate with general education staff to differentiate core instruction, provide access to the curriculum, and use data to guide interventions.

Qualifications

• State of Maine Certification required (CD or 282).
• Experience with students with a range of disabilities and IEPs.
• Mandt certified or ability to obtain Mandt.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver specialized instruction for students with disabilities.
• Facilitate IEP development, reevaluations, and documentation in compliance with IDEA.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to differentiate and embed supports.
• Coordinate with families to support learner outcomes and independence.
• Monitor progress with data-driven decisions and adapt instruction as needed.
• Maintain organization and effective time management within the classroom.

Skills

Collaboration with general education

Differentiated instruction

Communication skills

Technology-assisted instruction

Time management

Education

Maine Dept of Education Certification: Child with Disabilities (282)

Job description

Welcome to Maine School Administrative District #75

Serving Maine’s Midcoast communities of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell, and Topsham, MSAD 75 is home to over 2,350 students and more than 600 faculty and staff members.

Mt. Ararat Middle School in MSAD 75 is seeking a Special Education Teacher to join our vibrant educational community. Together, we can inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.

JOB GOALS:

The Special Education Teacher is a collaborative educator responsible for designing and delivering specialized instruction and support to students with identified disabilities, including those with complex support needs. This role champions a deep commitment to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), collaborating closely with general education teachers to design accessible core instruction and proactively embed special education services and supports in the least restrictive environment to the greatest extent possible. The District remains committed to placing Special Education Teachers where they can most effectively support our students. Specific assignments and locations may be shifted based on student needs around the District.

Required Qualifications

• State of Maine Department of Education Teacher: Child with Disabilities (282) Certification
• State of Maine Department of Education Background Check (CHRC) authorization
• Experience working with students with a range of disabilities.
• Mandt trained or ability to obtain
• Experience working with students with a range of disabilities.
• Thorough understanding of special education laws (IDEA), IEP process, assessment methods, and evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and adapt curriculum.
• Effective behavior management skills.
• Proficiency in using technology for instruction and record-keeping.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the success of students with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote an Inclusive Culture:
  • Serve as a champion for equity and inclusion, fostering a school-wide culture where diverse learning needs are viewed as assets and where all staff share responsibility for all students.
• IEP Development and Implementation:
  • Facilitate and manage all aspects of special education compliance, including timely and legally sound development of IEPs, reevaluations, and ensure effective documentation in accordance with IDEA and state regulations, always upholding the mandate of Least Restrictive Environment.
• Serve as the case-manager for students with IEPs, ensuring services and specially designed instruction are data driven and implemented with integrity.
• Coordinate services and support for students with complex support needs, ensuring meaningful access to the general curriculum, a sense of belonging in the school and classroom community while embedding functional life skills for independence and self-determination.
• Conduct frequent brief assessments to monitor progress and determine if interventions and supports are effective for students.
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with families that encourage and facilitate their active participation and input in the educational planning process.
• Collaboration for Core Instruction:
  • Partner with general education teachers to co-plan, co-teach, and implement collaborative service delivery
  • Adapt and provide consultation about lessons, ensuring the core curriculum is accessible and challenging for all learners from the outset.
  • Develop and model the use of a wide range of accessible tools, flexible methods, and high-leverage technology to ensure students with disabilities, particularly those with complex needs, can actively participate in grade-level instruction, activities and assessments.
  • Collaborate with building administrators and teachers to guide, train, and support paraprofessionals.
• Collaboration for Intervention:
  • Actively participate in grade level teams designed to review student data, identify learning barriers, and design comprehensive, proactive interventions.
  • Collaborate with grade level teams to design and implement research-based academic and behavioral interventions and embed those interventions in the general education setting to the greatest extent possible.

Pay transparency as required by Maine Law:

The pay range for this position depends on years of experience and education level with a wide range of $51,087 - $107,609. To view the detailed payscale and benefits offered, please refer to the Contract between the MSAD 75 Board of Directors and the Merrymeeting Teacher Association.

Why MSAD 75?

• Professional Growth: At MSAD 75, employees grow professionally, build strong relationships, and help shape the future of our community one student at a time.
• Supportive Environment: We strive to build an environment that is diverse in perspectives, talents, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Comprehensive Benefits: MSAD 75 offers a Flexible Benefits Plan, including medical and dental coverage, flexible spending account (FSA), 403(b) & 457(b) plans, MainePERS, employee assistance program (EAP), professional development reimbursement, paid time off and more!
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Orion Performing Arts Center provides a cultural beacon in the region, offering first-rate live performances and enriching experiences for both staff and students.

MSAD 75 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, ancestry, or disability in its employment or in the administration of its educational policies and programs.