Teacher - Special Education (2024-2025 SY)

Norwalk Public Schools - Norwalk, CT

Full-time - Entry Level

Norwalk, CT

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education Teacher at Rowayton Elementary School will be responsible for providing individualized education program (IEP) mandated instruction to students in a highly structured and supportive classroom environment. This role requires the implementation of IEP goals, with a strong emphasis on data collection to inform instructional practices. The teacher will develop and implement effective instructional and behavioral management strategies tailored to the needs of special needs students. A comprehensive understanding of the development and execution of individualized education plans is essential, along with the ability to administer and interpret various academic assessments related to special education. Communication with colleagues across disciplines and with parents is crucial for fostering student success. The teacher will follow the instructional program as defined by the Norwalk Board of Education, managing classroom behavior to create a conducive learning environment. Responsibilities include preparing lesson plans that meet clear objectives, maintaining accurate records, conducting parent-teacher conferences, and assessing student learning continuously to identify areas needing intervention. The teacher will keep parents informed of their child's progress through interim reports, report cards, and conferences, and will design instruction to cater to the diverse needs of students in both individual and small group settings. In addition, the Special Education Teacher will act as the coordinator for IEP implementation, collaborating with general education staff to monitor student progress and participate in the review and revision of IEPs as necessary. The role also involves facilitating student independence as learners, assisting other professionals in diagnosing learning disorders, and maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations regarding student data and reporting. The teacher will engage in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional practices and positively impact student achievement.

Responsibilities

• Provide IEP mandated instruction to students in a structured classroom environment.
• Implement IEP goals based on data collection.
• Develop and implement instructional and behavioral management strategies for special needs students.
• Teach several academic areas and understand the development of individualized education plans.
• Administer and interpret academic assessments related to special education.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and parents to support student success.
• Follow the instructional program approved by the Norwalk Board of Education.
• Manage classroom and individual student behavior to maintain a positive learning environment.
• Prepare lesson plans that achieve clear objectives and serve the needs of all learners.
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by state and federal law.
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
• Assess student learning continuously and identify areas for intervention.
• Design instruction to meet the needs of all students in individual and small group settings.
• Plan instruction to foster academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Design clear and specific learning assessments.
• Maintain ongoing communication with parents regarding student progress.
• Prepare student education plans in consultation with parents and IEP team members.
• Act as coordinator of IEP implementation with general education staff.
• Monitor student progress and participate in IEP reviews and revisions.
• Facilitate student independence as learners.
• Assist other professional staff in diagnosing learning disorders and evaluating student progress.
• Maintain appropriate student data and submit reports as required.

Requirements

• Current special education (165) Connecticut teaching certificate required.
• Knowledge of IEP data collection processes.
• Working knowledge of IEP Direct software.
• Experience in elementary school special education preferred.
• Current Physical Management Training (PMT) or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required.
• Fluency in Spanish is an asset.

Nice-to-haves

• Public school experience with students displaying social/emotional/behavioral needs.
• Experience in behavior management and program implementation.
• Collaborative working style.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary in accordance with the NFT contract.
• Professional development opportunities through seminars and workshops.