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

SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT; Salem (NH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem School District is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher for a self-contained LEAP program (K-5) in Salem, NH. The role focuses on functional academics and life skills within an intensive-needs classroom.

Responsibilities include program leadership, case management, collaboration with related services, and supervision of support staff to ensure high-quality individualized education plans.

Qualifications

• NHDOE standards required or eligible for endorsement.
• Bachelor's in Special Education or related field with approved educator preparation.
• 3–5 years of experience in intensive-needs or self-contained settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a self-contained curriculum focused on functional academics and life skills.
• Serve as primary Case Manager ensuring IEP compliance and progress monitoring.
• Develop and lead academic and functional instruction to generalize life skills.
• Provide direct, specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs.
• Consult with general education staff on inclusion, modifications, and behavior strategies.
• Supervise paraprofessionals/RBTs and provide daily direction in class.

Skills

Adaptability

Collaboration

Data Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education

NHDOE Endorsement #1900 (General Special Education)

Job description

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

Salem School District Salem School District - Salem, New Hampshire Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5925504

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 14, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE AT: https://www.applitrack.com/sau57/onlineapp/_application.aspx?starting=true

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

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) standards:

• NH Certification: Must hold (or be eligible for) NHDOE Endorsement #1900 (General Special Education).


• The District is willing to support high quality 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 3–5 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.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories:

Special Education > General Special Education

Job Requirements

• Bachelor degree preferred.


• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Salem School District


• 38 Geremonty Drive


• Salem, New Hampshire 03079


• Phone: [phone]