2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
PONUS RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Special Education Teacher will provide IEP-mandated instruction to students in a highly structured and supported classroom environment. IEP goals will be implemented in an environment with data collection serving as a basis for instruction. The Special Education Teacher must be able to develop and implement instructional and behavioral management strategies for students with special needs. The teacher must also have the ability to teach several academic areas, an understanding of the development and implementation of individualized education plans, and the ability to administer and interpret a variety of educational and related assessment instruments in special education. Communication with other colleagues from various disciplines and with parents are essential to student success. Applicants for the position of special education shall be considered on the basis of qualifications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Follows the scope and sequence of the instructional program as defined and approved by the Norwalk Board of Education
- Manages the classroom and individual student behavior to maintain an advantageous learning environment
- Prepares lesson plans that achieve clear objectives, uses appropriate techniques, and serves the needs of all learners in the classroom
- Maintains accurate and complete records as required
- Conducts parent/teacher conferences
- Assesses student learning continuously and identifies areas for intervention as needed.
- Keeps parents up-to-date of student progress through the use of interim reports, report cards, and/or conferences
- Design instruction to meet the needs of all students through both individual and small group settings, as needed
- Plans individual and group instruction to foster academic, social, and emotional growth
- Designs clear and specific learning assessments
- Maintains a positive learning environment that encourages open communication between the teacher and learner
- Maintains a positive school community image that encourages ethical student behavior
- Maintains ongoing communication with parents
- Prepares student education plans in consultation with parents and IEP team members
- Designs instruction, both individual and small group, which parallels the general education curriculum
- Acts as coordinator of IEP implementation with general education staff
- Monitors student progress and participates in the review and revision of the IEP, as appropriate.
- Facilitates the independence of the student as a learner
- Assists other professional staff in the diagnosis of learning disorders, the development of planned remediation, andthe evaluation of student progress
- Maintains appropriate student data and other records and submits reports as required by State and Federal law
- Demonstrates ability to teach several academic areas
- Demonstrates knowledge of the subject(s) to be taught
- Demonstrates knowledge of human growth/development as related to the teaching-learning process
- Demonstrates knowledge of special education regulations and guidelines
- Assists in the selection of textbooks, equipment, and other educational materials
- Establishes and maintains professional relationships
- Participates in professional learning by attending seminars and workshops to improve instructional practice and positively affect student achievement
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS - Public school experience with students displaying social/emotional/behavioral needs
- Experience in behavior management (development and program implementation)
- Collaborative working style
- Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Practical, active listening skills
- Ability to work effectively with others
- Organizational and problem-solving skills
QUALIFICATIONS - Current special education (165) Connecticut teaching certificate required
- IEP data collection knowledge
- Working knowledge of IEP Direct
- Elementary school special education experience preferred
- Current Physical Management Training (PMT) or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training
- Fluency in Spanish is an asset
Days: Monday – Friday
Salary: In accordance with the NFT contract NORWALK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Norwalk Board of Education to ensure equal educational opportunity for all students and to prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or physical and mental disability in the school district's educational program and activities; and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender; gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or physical and mental disability.
11.17.2025
