Elementary Special Education Teacher, Resource Room - Rowe Elementary

Elementary Special Education Teacher, Resource Room - Rowe Elementary

Position Overview: Portland Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified Special Educator for our K-2 Resource Room at Amanda

C. Rowe Elementary School. The Special Education Teacher is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services in students’ Individual Education Plans and providing specialized instruction to ensure that each student progresses in meeting IEP goals. Applicant should have a strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students’ social/emotional growth. The ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff is essential to this position.

• Provide evidence-based Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) to students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) to ensure that each student progresses in meeting the district's learning benchmarks.
• Serve as case manager and oversee each student's IEP, ensuring compliance with requirements in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations – Chapter 101 including timelines related to the IEP process and development.
• Consult with regular education teachers on a regular basis regarding educational needs, accommodations and modifications.
• Collaborate with related service providers (speech therapists, OT, PT, social workers, etc.).
• Administer academic achievement assessments for initial referrals and triennial reviews.
• Attend meetings, professional development, and in‑service training.

• Demonstrated ability to develop working knowledge of PPS curriculum, techniques for integrating curriculum, PPS policies, and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to develop and deliver standards‑based, specially designed instruction (SDI) across curricular disciplines and grade levels.
• Ability to lead therapeutic instructional team via collaborative processes.
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities, specifically those within the functional life skills classroom.
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education.
• Ability to infuse technology into curricula.
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, and school‑based staff, students, parents and community.
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.
• Willingness to reflect on personal implicit bias and a commitment to challenging personal perspectives and deepening self‑awareness.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).

• 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.

• Maine State Teacher Certificate with one of the following endorsements:
• 286 – Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (PK‑12)
• 282 – Teacher of Children with Disabilities (K‑8)
• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization.

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025‑2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA.
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here.

Located in beautiful Portland, ME, Amanda

C. Rowe Elementary is a vibrant Pre‑K through 5th grade school serving approximately 475 students. Our staff and students make Rowe a truly special place to learn and grow. Housed in a beautiful, modern facility built in 2018, we provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child is supported on their educational journey.

We are proud to be a diverse learning community, with approximately 21% of our students identifying as multilingual learners. Our robust ESOL team works collaboratively to ensure all students are engaged and successful. Around 20% of our students access special education services, and…