POSITION OVERVIEW: Special Education Teacher / Case Manager, Breathe Program (Full Time) - Moore Middle
In support of fulfilling our 5-Year Strategic Plan, Portland Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified special educator for our Breathe Program at Lyman Moore Middle School. The Special Education Teacher / Case Manager works with Breathe Program students in both the mainstream and Special Education setting, and collaborates with the Program Social Worker to determine optimal programming for students. The teacher is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services in students’ Individual Education Plans and providing specialized instruction to ensure that each student progresses in meeting IEP goals.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide evidence-based specially designed instruction to students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) to ensure that each student progresses in meeting the district’s learning benchmarks
- Serve as case manager for each student, overseeing IEPs and conducting IEP meetings
- Ensure compliance with requirements in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101 including timelines related to the IEP process and IEP development
- Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, PPS policy and administrative regulation
- Support students with Emotional Disturbances and Other Health Impairments
- Create meaningful Positive Behavior Support plans
- Collaborate with the Program Social Worker, School Principals, and other related service providers (SLPs, OT, PT, etc.)
- Consult with regular education teachers on a recurring basis regarding educational needs, accommodations, and modifications; provide academic support for mainstream classroom assignments
- Administer academic achievement assessments for initial referrals and triennial reviews
- Develop pathways to support students’ progress toward meeting academic standard
- Attend meetings, professional development and in-service training
- Coordinate ed techs' schedules to best support students in mainstream classes
- Takes all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
- Communicate student progress with parents/guardians
- Support students’ transition from 8th to 9th grade and assist with post-secondary planning
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of and a keen understanding of the social and emotional needs of students, knowing de-escalation strategies as well as long-term planning necessary
- Strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students’ social/emotional growth
- Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities
- Ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff
- Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills
- Willingness to reflect on personal implicit bias and a commitment to challenging personal perspectives and deepening self-awareness
- Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
- Experience working with behavioral disabilities, experience with standards-based experiential and/or expeditionary learning
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 one of the following endorsements (more info):
- 282 Teacher of Children with Disabilities (K-8)
- 286 Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (PK-12)
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
- School-year position
- Permanent
- Full time, 1.0 FTE
- Not eligible for overtime
ABOUT MOORE & PPS:
Lyman Moore Middle School is one of three middle schools serving the diverse and amazing student population in Portland. At Moore we believe that each individual brings skills, talents, and gifts to our community. When we learn to put these skills, talents, and gifts together we are able to accomplish more as a community. So, you are Moore, and we are MOORE TOGETHER.
Located two hours north of Boston, Portland is a progressive and vibrant community where the possibilities for living an active, balanced and engaged life is at your fingertips. Portland Public Schools is a cornerstone of our community. We are the largest public school district in Maine and the most diverse district in northern New England with more than 60 world languages spoken by our students and families. This is an exciting time to join the Portland Public Schools. The district is deep into the implementation of a 5-Year Strategic Plan with a focus on the Equity goal, which calls on all educators to be vigilant about supporting each student’s individual path to achieving high standards, and rooting out systemic or ongoing inequities. At this moment in time--perhaps more than ever before--students and families require robust social, emotional, and behavioral supports, and advocacy to reduce barriers and improve educational outcomes.
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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 identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.