Preschool SPED Teacher na Portales Municipal Schools

More Impact, Less Days: 4-Day School Week 2025/2026!

Position Overview:

The Preschool SPED Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children with diverse learning needs. The teacher facilitates each child’s cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and adaptive development while implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

Licensure Requirements: Valid New Mexico Special Education license, or ability to obtain required licensure.

The position is open until filled.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrate expert knowledge of Early Childhood and Special Education content, instructional strategies, and the approved curriculum.
2. Deliver instruction aligned with students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), adapting teaching strategies to meet diverse needs.
3. Foster a safe, supportive, and structured learning environment that encourages independence and positive behavior.
4. Acknowledge and support student diversity, using culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate practices.
5. Participate in the development, review, and revision of IEPs and early childhood curriculum planning.
6. Respond flexibly and productively to changes and handle other tasks as assigned.
7. Promote children’s personal, social, emotional, and academic growth through differentiated instruction.
8. Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, and families, using effective communication.
9. Demonstrate teacher competencies in line with state evaluation and licensure requirements.
10. Uphold professional and ethical standards and engage in reflective practice.
11. Support the mission and vision of the Portales Municipal School District.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Use a variety of assessment tools to monitor progress and inform instruction.
2. Prepare and maintain lesson plans, individualized instruction materials, and documentation for IEP compliance.
3. Supervise and mentor educational assistants, practicum students, or student teachers as assigned.
4. Attend multidisciplinary team meetings, including IEP, 504, and Child Find conferences.
5. Maintain confidentiality of student records and family information.
6. Provide meaningful learning opportunities that reflect play-based and child-centered methodologies.
7. Adhere to all district, state, and federal policies including IDEA and FERPA.
8. Implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as appropriate.
9. Collaborate in the transition planning process for children moving to kindergarten or other placements.
10. Integrate technology and assistive devices into instructional strategies where appropriate.
11. Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Superintendent.

Physical Requirements:

• Medium: Lift up to 50 lbs occasionally & up to 25 lbs frequently
• Engage in physical activity typical of preschool settings (e.g., sitting on the floor, lifting young children, moving classroom materials)

Safety/Health and Other Requirements:

• Knowledge of universal hygiene and safety procedures
• FBI fingerprint background check required
• May require prolonged periods of standing, reading, writing, and outdoor supervision

Work Environment:

• Early childhood classroom with varied levels of noise, activity, and mobility needs
• Must be flexible, patient, and able to adapt to frequent interruptions
• May involve home or site visits
• Occasional after-hours work may be required

About Portales Municipal Schools: Portales, NM, with a population of approximately 15,000, is rooted in agriculture and home to Eastern New Mexico University. Located less than 20 miles from Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, NM, Portales offers a supportive community for education professionals. The district includes six grade-level schools, with Portales High School serving grades 9–12.