Skills Teacher - Special Education Teacher - SY

Skills For Life Teacher

Danbury Public Schools is a diverse community located in the western part of Connecticut, serving more than 12,500 students across the City of Danbury. We are committed to cultivating equity and excellence for all students, closing opportunity gaps, and preparing students for post-secondary success. The mission of Danbury Public Schools, in partnership with families and the community, is to provide transformational learning experiences designed to nurture thoughtful and prepared graduates.

We have set ambitious and rigorous goals to ensure students graduate prepared to transform the world.

Our district includes 13 unique elementary schools including an interdistrict magnet school for International Studies, three middle schools, including an intradistrict magnet school focused on STEM and World Studies, and the Danbury Career Academies, which provide innovative educational pathways supported by faculty with both academic and real-world experience. DPS recruits and commits to educators with passion who are aligned with our vision to advance all learners to their highest potential.

The Skills for Life Program provides specialized instruction within a public school setting for middle school students identified with significant cognitive, developmental, and/or pervasive disabilities. The program is designed to support students whose educational needs require a highly individualized and functional curriculum focused on communication, social-emotional growth, independence, daily living skills, and preparation for future vocational and community participation. The middle school Skills for Life classrooms provide instruction in functional academics, communication, social skills, community awareness, domestic and daily living skills, leisure and recreation, self-advocacy, and pre-vocational skill development within a general education school environment.

Instruction emphasizes communication, increased independence, behavioral and social supports, and opportunities to generalize skills across natural school and community settings. The program also promotes inclusion and participation in general education activities and school experiences alongside typical peers whenever appropriate, while fostering meaningful relationships, self-confidence, and student success.

1. Planning and Preparation

The Skills for Life Teacher understands the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special education and transition-focused programming for students with significant disabilities. The teacher understands how middle school students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities adapted to diverse learners. The teacher designs instruction based on knowledge of the discipline, students, community, and curriculum goals, with a strong emphasis on functional academics, communication, social-emotional development, independence, and life skills.

2. The Classroom Environment

The Skills for Life Teacher creates a structured, safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment that promotes positive social interaction, independence, communication, and functional skill development.

3. Instruction

The Skills for Life Teacher utilizes evidence-based instructional practices to support students in developing academic, communication, social, behavioral, vocational, and independent living skills.

4. Professional Responsibilities

The Skills for Life Teacher maintains professional standards, collaborates effectively with families and staff, and demonstrates commitment to continuous professional growth and advocacy for students with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in assessment methods and data interpretation.
• Ability to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English language learners.
• Experience in specialized instruction and remediation.
• Knowledge of child development and behavior management.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Connecticut and federal special education regulations.
• Proficiency in instructional strategies and use of technology.
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to confidentiality.
• Willingness to engage in professional development.

Preferred

Education and Experience:

• Successful experience as a special education teacher preferred.
• Second language or language acquisition background preferred.
• Experience working with culturally and economically diverse students preferred.

Education/Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Must hold or be eligible for Connecticut State certification in Special Education (065, 165).

Salary:
Salary and wages are paid in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between NEA Danbury and the Danbury Board of Education, which can be found on our website.