Special Education Resource Teacher; Middle School

Position:
Special Education Resource Teacher (Middle School)

School:
Waterbury Public Schools, Department of Special Education.

Reports to:

Building Principal or District Level Administrator.

Designation:
Exempt, FLSA. Bargaining unit:
Waterbury Teachers’ Association CEA-NEA.

This role is accountable for providing instruction and educational supports, including case management, to special needs students and assisting them in their academic and social development.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Credentials:
  Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate/endorsement(s) appropriate to the teaching assignment, Comprehensive Special Education K-12—165 endorsement; may require a current Motor Vehicle Class D Operator License.
• Continuing
  
  Education:
  
  Must complete all State CEU requirements for re‑certification.
• Knowledge of current best practices, laws, IDEA, specific disabilities, mental health disorders, child development, educational philosophy, teaching methods, assessment practices, learning theory, PBIS, and SRBI.
• Skills:
  
  accommodations for visual impairments (Braille, low‑vision devices, assistive technology), classroom and behavior management, team collaboration, stress management, organization, written and verbal communication, assistive technology, signing/cued speech, transition services, computer technology, and working with a wide range of disabilities.
• Abilities: apply PBIS & SRBI, flexibility to meet changing needs, create structured environments, develop curricula and lesson plans, design assessment tools, and teach a diverse student population.

• May provide work direction to paraprofessionals and clericals as assigned.

• Attend staff, building, parent, team, and case management meetings.
• Consult with team members, parents, guardians, and outside agencies regarding student interventions, medications, and programmatic needs.
• Develop and manage data collection systems; analyze data to identify student needs and recommend quarterly classes.
• Utilize assessment tools and progress reports.
• Build positive relationships, counsel students, review transition activities, and provide job coaching.
• Adapt curricula and lesson plans aligned with academic standards.
• Ensure use of least restrictive environment and best practices with students.
• Handle student transportation issues and ensure student safety on school grounds.
• Participate in staff development activities.
• Provide direct instruction using individualized instruction, lectures, team teaching, hands‑on formats, and other instructional strategies.
• Manage student behavior, implement disciplinary procedures, develop and implement IEPs, reevaluate, write goals, and participate in IEP conferences.
• Order supplies and materials related to curriculum and instruction.
• Provide in‑service training to other staff.
• Serve as case manager for transition planning at Middle School and High School levels.
• Assist hearing‑impaired students on an itinerant basis.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Employees must have adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, visual and auditory acuity, and maintain such fitness as required. Physical examination may be required.

Key physical demands include standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 100 lbs, handling chemicals, operating machinery, and working in varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold.

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages potential and current employees to discuss accommodations as needed.