Special Education Teacher, Functional Academics - Deering

Special Education Teacher, Functional Academics - Deering High

• Position Type:
  STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES/ SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
• Date Posted:
  1/19/2026
• Location:
  
  Deering High School
• Date Available:
  
  ASAP

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Functional Academics - Deering High


POSITION OVERVIEW:

Deering High Schoolis seeking an outstanding, collaborative Special Educator to teach students who qualify for a specialized Functional Academics (FA) class, which offers a modified academic learning environment tailored to meet individual needs.

Students in this program will have varying levels of independent living skills and will need specific supports to access their education. Instruction will be specially designed and based on students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, cognitive abilities, and achievement levels. A functional approach to learning is essential, which means that IEP goals may differ from those of other special education students.

Students may receive instruction in math, English Language Arts (ELA), social studies, or science within this Functional Academics class, depending on their individual needs.

The successful candidate will be adept at providing an atmosphere and an environment conducive to the academic, social and emotional development of individuals that ensure equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and adjusting curricular and instructional materials to monitor student progress and meet the needs of a range of learners.

Communicating and interacting with students, parents, colleagues and community members are essential in this role.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for assigned students in compliance with federal and state regulations
• Conduct and facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring collaboration with parents, general education teachers, related service providers, and other stakeholders
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including progress reports, assessments, and compliance records
• Design and deliver specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs within a functional academic curriculum
• Utilize evidence-based teaching strategies to promote student growth in academics, life skills, and social-emotional development
• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and support students in developing self-regulation and social skills
• Collaborate with behavioral specialists, school counselors, general education teachers, and other support staff to address student needs
• Serve as the primary point of contact for families, ensuring consistent communication regarding student progress and needs
• Partner with transition coordinators, vocational training programs, and community agencies to support students' post-secondary planning
• Stay current with special education laws, policies, and best practices to ensure program compliance and effectiveness
• Participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to school-wide initiatives supporting students with disabilities
• Conduct formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress
• Use data to inform instruction and adjust IEPs and teaching strategies

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in using technology and adaptive tools to support student learning
• Ability to differentiate instruction and adapt teaching methods to meet diverse student needs

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience are welcome
• Portland Public Schools values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State Teacher Certificate with at least one of the following endorsements (more info ):
  • Endorsement 286 (Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, PK-12)
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of…