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Job Description
Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching/Special Education
Date Posted:
4/24/2026
Location:
Lancaster Elementary School
Date Available:
08/27/2026
Closing Date:
Internal Closing 04/30/26
Job Title:
Special Education Teacher - Learning Experiences and Alternative Program (K-5)
Job Summary
Salem School District is seeking a dedicated and highly organized Special Education Teacher to lead our self contained intensive needs program, the LEAP program. This program serves students with significant learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and/or multiple disabilities. The successful candidate will oversee a specialized classroom environment that prioritizes both academic access and functional life skills.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Program Leadership:
Design and implement a comprehensive self contained curriculum focusing on functional academics, communication, and life skills.
Case Management:
Serve as the primary Case Manager for all students within the program, ensuring IEP compliance, progress monitoring, and seamless service delivery.
Functional & Life Skills Instruction:
Develop and lead both academic and functional instruction to generalize life skills in real world settings.
Direct Instruction:
Provide specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs.
Consultation & Support:
Act as a resource to general education teachers, providing strategies for inclusion, modifications, and behavioral support for students with complex needs.
Staff Supervision:
Provide daily direction and support to assigned Paraprofessionals or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) within the classroom.
Required Qualifications & Credentials
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) standards:
NH Certification:
Must hold (or be eligible for) NHDOE Endorsement #1900 (General Special Education).
The District is willing to support high quality candidates currently enrolled in a NHDOE Alternative Certification program (Statement of Eligibility/Site Based Learning Plan) who possess significant experience with intensive-needs populations.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field (e.g., Speech-Language Pathology, Psychology, or Rehabilitative Services), provided the candidate has completed a state-approved educator preparation program.
Experience:
A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in special education is preferred, with specific experience in Self Contained or Intensive Needs settings.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Adaptability:
Skill in modifying "general education" curriculum into accessible, functional units for students with significant cognitive delays.
Collaboration:
Strong interpersonal skills to consult with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP) and general education colleagues.
Data Management:
Proficiency in tracking behavioral and academic data to drive IEP goal revisions.