Special Education Teacher PreK-1-Endeavor Program

Servingschools; Warren (ME); On-site; USD 51,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

RSU 40 is seeking a dedicated PreK to grade 1 Endeavor Teacher to support our youngest learners with intensive behavioral and developmental needs. The Endeavor program emphasizes structured teaching and collaboration with related service providers to build foundational communication and school readiness.

The role requires Maine certification (preferred 081/282) and experience with young children needing behavioral and developmental support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Maine certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities (282) and/or Early Childhood certification (081/282 preferred).
• Knowledge of IDEA and Maine regulations.
• Experience with young children with developmental/behavioral needs.
• Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners.
• Strong communication skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Positive classroom management and professional ethics.

Responsibilities

• Provide SDI focused on early learning, communication, behavior, and functional skills.
• Create a structured, predictable classroom to support regulation and engagement.
• Implement individualized behavior plans and proactive strategies.
• Teach foundational school skills such as routines, transitions, and social interaction.
• Support students in developing communication and independence.
• Facilitate access to inclusive opportunities when appropriate.
• Serve as case manager and develop/implement IEPs.
• Collaborate with OT, SLP, social work, BCBA and ed techs.
• Partner with families to align home and school practices.

Skills

Behavior support

Early childhood development

Structured teaching

Team leadership

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Pre-K to 1 Endeavor Teacher

Pay Scale: $51,260 to $94,433 per year

RSU 40 Midcoast Maine

RSU 40 is seeking a dedicated, student-centered PreK to grade 1 Endeavor Teacher to support our youngest learners with intensive behavioral and developmental needs. This position is part of our district's continuum of services and plays a critical role in building early foundations for communication, regulation, and school readiness.

The Endeavor program is a highly structured, supportive setting designed for students who require significant behavioral, social-emotional, and functional support to access learning.

What You'll Do

• Provide specially designed instruction (SDI) focused on early learning, communication, behavior, and functional skills


• Create a structured, predictable classroom environment that supports regulation and engagement


• Implement individualized behavior support plans and proactive strategies


• Teach foundational school skills (routines, transitions, social interaction, play skills)


• Support students in developing communication and independence


• Facilitate gradual access to inclusive opportunities when appropriate


• Serve as case manager and develop/implement IEPs


• Collaborate with related service providers (OT, SLP, social work, BCBA) and ed techs


• Partner with families to support consistency between home and school

What We're Looking For

• Maine certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (282) and/or Early Childhood certification (081/282 preferred)


• Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Maine Unified Special Education Regulations


• Experience working with young children with developmental and/or behavioral needs


• Strong skills in behavior support, early childhood development, and structured teaching


• Ability to lead a team, collaborate, and adapt in a dynamic environment


• Commitment to inclusive practices and early intervention

Why Join RSU 40

• Be part of a growing early childhood special education initiative


• Work within a clearly defined continuum of services across the district


• Collaborate with a strong team of educators, clinicians, and support staff


• Access ongoing training in behavior, early childhood, and specialized instruction


• Make a lasting impact during a critical stage of student development

Position Details

• Location: Elementary level (PreK to grade 1), RSU 40


• Reports to: Building Administrator & Special Services Leadership


• Terms of Employment: Per collective bargaining agreement

Teacher Job Description

Job Goal: To provide effective, research-based instruction that meets the academic and social-emotional needs of students while promoting a positive, inclusive, and respectful classroom culture. The teacher will contribute to the development and implementation of curriculum and instruction aligned with school and district goals, and will participate in professional development and collaborative activities to improve teaching and learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field; Master's degree preferred


• Valid Maine teacher certification in appropriate content area


• Successful teaching experience, with preference for those with experience in the relevant grade level(s) or subject area(s)


• Knowledge of school curricula, instructional strategies, and special education law


• Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse student needs


• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with students, parents, and colleagues


• Strong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a positive, productive learning environment


• Strong sense of professional ethics and commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Essential Functions

• Implement and align instructional strategies with district curricula and standards, ensuring that all students have access to rigorous, differentiated learning opportunities


• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction that engages all learners


• Use ongoing formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress, adapt instruction, and provide timely feedback to students and families


• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by incorporating research-based best practices and utilizing data to inform instructional decisions.


• Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect, responsibility, and academic success


• Establish clear expectations for student behavior and apply consistent, fair, and culturally responsive discipline strategies


• Develop/implement individualized behavior plans and interventions for students requiring additional support


• Promote positive relationships with students through proactive communication and a focus on social-emotional learning


• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students, including those with disabilities and English language learners


• Provide targeted interventions and support to students performing below grade level, and challenge those performing above grade level to reach their full potential


• Work closely with special education staff, educational technicians, and support personnel to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans


• Maintain accurate records of student progress, including accommodations and modifications provided, and communicate regularly with parents about student performance and needs


• Actively participate in collaborative team meetings, professional learning communities (PLCs), and school-wide initiatives to improve teaching and learning


• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with instructional best practices, educational technology, and trends in education


• Engage in self-reflection, seek feedback from peers and leadership, and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and professional excellence


• Establish and maintain open, respectful communication with students, parents, and colleagues to build strong, supportive relationships


• Encourage and support family involvement in school activities and student learning


• Participate in data analysis sessions to identify trends, strengths, and areas of improvement at the individual, classroom, and school levels


• Provide timely and meaningful feedback to students on their performance and progress toward meeting academic goals


• Attend faculty meetings, school events, and parent-teacher conferences as required


• Support school and district initiatives and priorities


• Assist with school-wide activities, including assemblies, field trips, and special projects, as assigned by the principal


• Maintain confidentiality about all aspects of student and personnel written and oral records


• Demonstrate respect for the legal and human rights of students and staff


• Follow health and safety procedures established by the District


• Arrive and depart punctually, notifying appropriate personnel about absences and coverage


• Demonstrate dependability, integrity, and other ethical standards


• Perform other duties as required by the Principal, such as lunchroom supervision, hall monitoring, or assisting with school events

Regional School Unit 40 uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.