Skills for Life Teacher - Special Education Teacher - 26​/27 SY

Skills for Life Teacher - Special Education Teacher - 26/27 SY

Position Type:

Special Education/Special Education Teacher

Date Posted:

5/13/2026

Location:

Rogers Park Middle School

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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 Studiesthree 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.

PROGRAM SCOPE

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

The Skills for Life Teacher:

* Develops short- and long-range instructional plans aligned with curriculum goals, student IEPs, transition needs, and learning theory.

* Demonstrates knowledge of current legislation, regulations, policies, and ethical practices related to special education services, including least restrictive environment, due process, transition planning, behavior supports, assistive technology, and specialized instruction.

* Understands characteristics and learning needs of students with significant cognitive, developmental, communication, behavioral, emotional, and physical disabilities.

* Plans and implements instruction in functional academics, daily living skills, communication, vocational readiness, recreation/leisure, self-advocacy, community participation, and social skills.

* Adapts curriculum and instructional materials to meet individual student needs and learning styles.

* Utilizes specialized materials, adaptive equipment, visual supports, sensory supports, and assistive technology to maximize student independence and access to learning.

* Maintains curriculum resources and inventories assistive/adaptive technology and instructional materials.

* Plans and prepares for PPT/IEP meetings and collaborates with related service providers and families regarding student programming and progress.

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.

The Skills for Life Teacher:

* Implements effective classroom management strategies, including positive behavioral supports, de-escalation techniques, and individualized behavior intervention plans.

* Creates predictable routines, schedules, and transitions that support student learning…