Special Education Teacher for 23/24 SY

The Pinnacle School - Stamford, CT

Full-time - Entry Level

Stamford, CT

Educational Services

About the position

The Pinnacle School is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher for the 2023/2024 school year. This role is essential in enabling students with complex learning profiles and secondary co-occurring needs to thrive in an educational environment that emphasizes small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and active problem-solving. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is recognized as a Connecticut state-approved special education institution. Our student body consists of both privately and district-placed individuals from Connecticut and New York, creating a diverse and dynamic learning atmosphere. As a Special Education Teacher, you will join a collaborative team of highly trained clinicians and educators who specialize in various areas including special education, school counseling, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. The faculty at Pinnacle is committed to fostering an enthusiastic learning environment where each student is supported to become an engaged member of the community. We are looking for accomplished and inspiring individuals who possess a combination of teaching experience, advanced degrees, and exceptional communication skills. In this role, you will provide high-quality, data-driven instruction that aligns with the school's mission and philosophy. You will be an integral member of the Planning and Placement Team (PPT), responsible for developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's needs. This includes creating Present Levels of Performance, setting appropriate goals, and establishing objectives. You will differentiate the curriculum to accommodate various learning styles and achievement levels, employing diverse teaching strategies to help students achieve their IEP goals. Additionally, you will maintain open communication with students and parents regarding academic, social, and emotional progress, while fostering collaborative relationships with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, data-driven instruction to students.
• Participate as a member of the Planning and Placement Team (PPT).
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Create Present Levels of Performance, appropriate goals, and objectives for students.
• Differentiate curriculum to support students' learning styles and achievement levels.
• Employ various teaching strategies and principles of learning to assist students in achieving their IEP goals.
• Cultivate open and positive communication with students and parents regarding progress and development.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Education, Literature, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Valid Connecticut state endorsement 165-Special Education: Comprehensive, grades K-12 or 034-General Science, Middle School 7-12 or eligibility for certification in Connecticut.
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching special education student populations with language-based learning differences.
• Familiarity with the IEP process and progress monitoring data collection.
• Ability to create and maintain an orderly and aesthetic learning environment that addresses students' social, emotional, and executive functioning needs.
• Commitment to helping children of all abilities reach their full potential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Flexible and patient in adapting to changes in instruction and clinical plans.
• Creative in planning engaging lessons and individualized interventions.
• Quick thinking in high-pressure situations.
• Collaborative with team members across various disciplines.
• Reflective on instruction and student progress, seeking resources for improvement.
• Possess a growth mindset, motivated to learn and overcome challenges.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Solid organizational skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Retirement plan