Special Education Teacher (High School) Job ID #720

About Our School

Sanford High School is located in York County in southern Maine 45 minutes south of Portland and less than 2 hours north of Boston. We are very proud of our state-of-the-art, 360,000 square foot facility that intertwines High School and Vocational programming and includes a Performing Arts Center and athletic complex. We are a comprehensive pathways high school serving over 1,100 students in grades nine through twelve, with a growingly diverse student population that reflects our community. Sanford High School operates on a semester block schedule and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) and the Maine State Department of Education. Sanford High School's Program of Studies offers a comprehensive curriculum of approximately 150 courses and 22 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Our mission is to cultivate students' potential through career pathway communities where students are empowered to find focus and direction in their learning experiences, in order to prosper and plan for life. Our goal is for every student to achieve their own version of success. 

Job Description

Sanford High School is seeking a Special Education Teacher who thrives working in a collaborative professional environment to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living. Responsibilities include but are not limited to direct instruction of students and supervision of at least one ed tech, case management, and developing and implementing IEPs. This person will also be responsible for collaborating with General Education teachers, related service providers, and Special Ed Teachers teaching other content areas. We are looking for a collaborative, team-focused person with excellent communication skills. 

Essential Functions 

• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning. 
• Assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEPs") for students. 
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans. 
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed. 
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services. 
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school. 
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community. 
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.  
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom. 
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees. 

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities 

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs. 
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 

Certification Requirements

Maine State Certification as a Special Education Teacher (282).