Secondary Life Skills Special Education Teacher

RESPONSIBILITIES

Secondary life skills classroom serving students with a range of cognitive, communication, and adaptive needs Collaborative classroom teams including teaching assistants, related service providers, and support staff Age-appropriate functional academics and transition-focused programming Community-based instruction, work-based learning, apartment/commercial kitchen experiences, and vocational opportunities Support students in developing functional, vocational, social, communication, and independent living skills aligned with post-secondary goals. Use augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology to address student needs. Lead and collaborate with teaching assistants and support staff to maximize instructional time and promote student independence. Provide clear direction and structure to classroom staff to ensure cohesive implementation of instructional and behavioral supports. Implement district-supported curricula and instructional programs (including TeachTown) with fidelity while differentiating instruction to meet individual student needs. Use student performance data to identify needs, monitor progress, and adjust instruction. Opportunities for inclusion and participation in less restrictive environments and provide rigorous, engaging instruction addressing student Individual Education Plan goals and NYS curriculum standards. Use culturally and linguistically responsive practices to instruct students of varying cultural backgrounds. Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress, strengths and needs. Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports. Complete student IEPs, including present levels of performance, goals and classroom accommodations using Frontline IEP. We are seeking educators who see possibility in every student and believe meaningful growth can look different for every learner.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

: All costs associated with these employment requirements are the responsibility of the employee: Fingerprint clearance from the NY State Department of Education (NYSED) Drug Screening Physical Examination Patchogue-Medford Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, creed or religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, gender, disability which can be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status or any other classification protected by law.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Must possess or be eligible for New York State Certification in Special Education Bilingual candidates and candidates possessing TESOL certification preferred

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED

Preferred experience with life skills instruction, positive behavior supports, AAC, and evidence-based interventions.

COMMENTS

Successful candidates are relationship-driven educators who believe all students can make meaningful progress toward greater independence. They are collaborative, flexible, reflective, and enjoy working in dynamic environments where no two days look the same. Strong candidates value teamwork, proactively solve problems, and embrace opportunities to think creatively in support of students with diverse learning, communication, and behavioral needs.