Special Education Teacher

The Special Education Teacher at ACES REGIONS - Hamden provides individualized, trauma-informed, and standards-aligned instruction to students in a youth justice educational setting. ACES REGIONS serves adjudicated young men, ages 14-18, through a school-based program that emphasizes academic growth, personal development, family engagement, and successful community reintegration.

This teacher is responsible for developing and implementing specially designed instruction, managing IEP services, collaborating with clinical and community partners, and helping students build the academic, behavioral, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in school, career, and life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and Student Support

The Special Education Teacher will:

* Provide specially designed instruction aligned to student IEPs, Connecticut standards, and program goals.

* Deliver engaging instruction in small-group, individualized, and blended learning formats.

* Modify curriculum, assessments, and instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs.

* Support students in developing literacy, numeracy, executive functioning, self-regulation, and transition skills.

* Use trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and restorative practices to build safe and trusting relationships.

* Maintain high expectations while providing structured support for students with academic, behavioral, emotional, and social learning needs.

IEP and Special Education Compliance

The teacher will:

* Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, and related services.

* Collect and analyze data to measure progress toward IEP goals and academic standards.

* Prepare progress reports, present levels of performance, annual goals, and transition planning documentation.

* Participate in PPT/IEP meetings, reentry meetings, manifestation determination meetings when applicable, and multidisciplinary planning sessions.

* Ensure services are delivered in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, Connecticut special education regulations, and ACES procedures.

* Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely documentation.

Connecticut requires educators in public schools and approved private special education settings to hold appropriate certifications or permits, and the Connecticut Bureau of Certification oversees these requirements.

Collaboration and Case Management

The Special Education Teacher will:

* Serve as case manager for assigned students.

* Collaborate with general education teachers, social workers, counselors, transition staff, administrators, family members, court/community partners, and related service providers.

* Coordinate with clinical and behavioral teams to support student engagement and safety.

* Communicate regularly with families, guardians, districts, and placing agencies regarding student progress.

* Support transition planning for students returning to district schools, moving to vocational programming, graduating, or entering community-based services.

Classroom Culture and Behavior Support

The teacher will:

* Establish a structured, predictable, and respectful classroom environment.

* Use proactive behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and restorative responses.

* Reinforce student voice, choice, accountability, and positive identity development.

* Support individualized behavior intervention plans and safety plans as needed.

* Model professional, calm, and respectful communication during challenging situations.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

The teacher will:

* Use formal and informal assessment data to guide instruction.

* Track student attendance, engagement, academic growth, IEP progress, and transition readiness.

* Prepare documentation for PPTs, district reporting, and program review.

* Use data to identify barriers to learning and adjust instruction accordingly.