Special Education Teacher – self-contained classroom program (K-5)

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Learning Experiences and Alternative Program (K-5)

Job Summary Salem School District is seeking a dedicated and highly organized Special Education Teacher to lead our self contained intensive needs program, the LEAP program. This program serves students with significant learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and/or multiple disabilities. The successful candidate will oversee a specialized classroom environment that prioritizes both academic access and functional life skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Design and implement a comprehensive self contained curriculum focusing on functional academics, communication, and life skills.
• Case Management: Serve as the primary Case Manager for all students within the program, ensuring IEP compliance, progress monitoring, and seamless service delivery.
• Functional & Life Skills Instruction: Develop and lead both academic and functional instruction to generalize life skills in real world settings.
• Direct Instruction: Provide specialized instruction tailored to individual student needs.
• Consultation & Support: Act as a resource to general education teachers, providing strategies for inclusion, modifications, and behavioral support for students with complex needs.
• Staff Supervision: Provide daily direction and support to assigned Paraprofessionals or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) within the classroom.

Required Qualifications & Credentials To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE) standards:

• NH Certification: Must hold (or be eligible for) NHDOE Endorsement #1900 (General Special Education).

• The District is willing to support high quality candidates currently enrolled in a NHDOE Alternative Certification program (Statement of Eligibility/Site Based Learning Plan) who possess significant experience with intensive-needs populations.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field (e.g., Speech-Language Pathology, Psychology, or Rehabilitative Services), provided the candidate has completed a state-approved educator preparation program.

• Experience: A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in special education is preferred, with specific experience in Self Contained or Intensive Needs settings.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Adaptability: Skill in modifying "general education" curriculum into accessible, functional units for students with significant cognitive delays.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to consult with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP) and general education colleagues.
• Data Management: Proficiency in tracking behavioral and academic data to drive IEP goal revisions.