POSITION OVERVIEW: Special Education Teacher, Functional Academics - Casco Bay High, 25-26 SY
Casco Bay High School (CBHS) is seeking an outstanding, collaborative Special Educator to teach students who qualify for a specialized Functional Academics (FA) class, which offers a modified academic learning environment tailored to meet individual needs. The Special Educator will also be part of one or more grade-level teams and pair with another faculty member to lead a crew.
The FA program serves students with cognitive or achievement test scores (e.g., WIAT, WJ, WISC) ranging from Low Average to Very Low, including those with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Other Health Impairments (OHI), or Autism. These students require instruction in a special education setting and are unable to access the mainstream curriculum, even with significant accommodations and support in at least one academic subject area.
Students in this program will have varying levels of independent living skills and will need specific supports to access their education. Instruction will be specially designed and based on students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, cognitive abilities, and achievement levels. A functional approach to learning is essential, which means that IEP goals may differ from those of other special education students. Students may receive instruction in math, English Language Arts (ELA), social studies, or science within this Functional Academics class, depending on their individual needs.
The successful candidate will be adept at providing an atmosphere and an environment conducive to the academic, social and emotional development of individuals that ensure equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and adjusting curricular and instructional materials to monitor student progress and meet the needs of a range of learners. Communicating and interacting with students, parents, colleagues and community members are essential in this role.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of PPS curriculum, techniques for integrating curriculum, PPS policies, and effective instructional practices
- Understanding of the teaching/learning process
- Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
- Ability to infuse technology into curriculum
- Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office and school based staff, students, parents and community
- Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
- Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience are welcome
- Portland Public Schools values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity
CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
- Maine State Teacher Certificate with at least one of the following endorsements (more info):
- Endorsement 286 (Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, PK-12)
- Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, 7-12)
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
- School-year position
- Permanent
- Full time, 1.0 FTE
- Not eligible for overtime
ABOUT CASCO BAY HIGH:
Casco Bay High School is a small and rigorous public high school that reflects the increasing diversity of Portland, Maine. Founded in 2005, CBHS is a school of choice for about 400 students. For three of our first graduating classes, 100% of the graduates were accepted to college. Our aim is for each student to ” Get Smart to Do Good.” At Casco Bay, we challenge and support our students to become college-ready through our 3 Rs: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships. CBHS is intentionally small so that we can get to know each student deeply, and so we can better personalize instruction that will help students become their best selves. Our instruction is driven by Learning Expeditions that result in quality work about genuine problems for a real audience. Learning Expeditions are long-term, in-depth studies of a single topic that explore compelling social-justice questions, incorporate vital standards, involve ?eldwork, and culminate in an authentic project, product or performance. Casco Bay High School is part of a national cohort of high-achieving, progressive and urban high schools in the EL Education network.
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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.