Special Education Teacher - The LEARN Transition Academy - 2026-2027 School Year

LEARN; Old Lyme (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LEARN Transition Academy in Southeast Connecticut seeks a dedicated Special Education Teacher to support young adults with disabilities in achieving independence and postsecondary goals. You will design individualized instruction aligned with IEPs, manage IEP processes, and promote transition-focused learning in collaboration with families and community partners.

You'll work within a collaborative team of educators, specialists, and administrators, advancing evidence-based practices, assistive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Connecticut certification in Special Education or eligibility.
• Knowledge of current special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging, individualized instruction aligned to students' IEP goals.
• Serve as the IEP Case Manager for assigned students and monitor IEPs.
• Develop transition-focused programming and community-based learning experiences.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with families and service providers.
• Promote positive social-emotional growth and data-driven behavioral supports.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Teamwork

IEP knowledge

Data-driven instruction

Education

Connecticut certification in Special Education or eligibility

Job description

Special Education Teacher

LEARN Transition Academy | Southeast Connecticut

At LEARN, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful, independent, and fulfilling future. The LEARN Transition Academy serves young adults with disabilities as they develop the academic, vocational, social, and life skills needed to thrive in post-secondary education, employment, and community living. We are seeking a passionate, innovative, and student-centered special education teacher to join our dedicated team.

Why LEARN?

Make a Meaningful Difference

• Empower young adults to achieve greater independence and reach their fullest potential.
• Help students develop real-world skills that lead to successful outcomes in employment, education, and community participation.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to inclusion, dignity, and student success.

Collaborative and Supportive Culture

• Work alongside experienced special educators, related service providers, behavior specialists, and administrators.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and coaching.
• Join a team that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.

Professional Growth

• Access opportunities for leadership development and specialized training.
• Expand your expertise in transition planning, evidence-based instructional practices, assistive technology, community-based learning, and positive behavioral supports.
• Contribute to a growing organization recognized for excellence in serving students with diverse learning needs.

What Will You Do Day-to-Day?

Instruction & Student Learning

• Design and deliver engaging, individualized instruction aligned to students' IEP goals.
• Use evidence-based instructional practices and formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction.
• Foster student engagement through meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
• Create supportive classroom environments that promote independence, self-advocacy, communication, and problem-solving skills.

IEP Development & Case Management

• Serve as the IEP Case Manager for assigned students.
• Draft, facilitate, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal special education requirements.
• Collect and analyze data to track student progress and support instructional decision-making.

Transition & Community-Based Learning

• Develop transition-focused programming that prepares students for employment, post-secondary education, and independent living.
• Collaborate with families, vocational agencies, employers, and community partners to create meaningful learning opportunities.
• Support student participation in community-based instruction and vocational experiences.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in coordinating educational, behavioral, and related service supports.
• Partner closely with families and service providers to ensure cohesive planning and implementation.
• Train, supervise, and support instructional assistants and paraprofessionals.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative school culture focused on student success.

Behavior & Inclusion Supports

• Develop and implement classroom systems that promote positive social-emotional and behavioral growth.
• Utilize Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and data-driven practices to support student success.
• Design and oversee inclusion opportunities aligned with student goals and program expectations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Connecticut certification in Special Education or eligibility for Connecticut certification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
• Ability to lift and/or assist with physical management procedures involving students of 50 pounds or more, as necessary.

Preferred

• Experience working with transition-age students (18-22 years old).
• Knowledge of transition planning, vocational programming, and community-based instruction.
• Experience implementing evidence-based behavioral and instructional practices.
• Familiarity with assistive technology, vocational assessment, and life-skills instruction.

LEARN Regional Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).