Special Education Teacher—Leave Replacement

Location: Traphagen School
Reports to: Building Principal
Grade Levels: Kindergarten Special Education
Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary Leave Replacement
Start Date: Immediately
Duration: For the duration of the approved leave

Position Summary

Traphagen School is seeking a compassionate, qualified, and student-centered, Special Education Teacher to serve as a full-time leave replacement. The successful candidate will provide continuity of instruction and support for students with disabilities during the regularly assigned teacher’s absence.

The leave replacement teacher will implement students’ Individualized Education Programs, deliver specially designed instruction, monitor student progress, and maintain a structured, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver instruction aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and students’ Individualized Education Programs.

• Provide specially designed instruction addressing students’ academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.

• Implement all IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, testing supports, related-service recommendations, and behavioral interventions.

• Differentiate instruction for students with varying abilities and learning needs.

• Provide instruction in individual, small-group, and whole-class settings.

• Use evidence-based interventions, explicit instruction, modeling, scaffolding, and assistive technology.

• Collect and analyze data to monitor progress toward IEP goals.

• Prepare progress reports and maintain accurate instructional and special education documentation.

• Participate in annual reviews, reevaluations, Committee on Special Education meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings as required.

• Collaborate with general education teachers, teaching assistants, related service providers, school psychologists, counselors, administrators, and families.

• Establish and maintain a safe, structured, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment.

• Implement proactive classroom-management strategies and positive behavioral supports.

• Maintain instructional continuity by following established curriculum maps, unit plans, classroom procedures, schedules, and student-support plans.

• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress and needs.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with IDEA, Section 504, New York State regulations, district policies, and required timelines.

• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, school events, and other responsibilities assigned by the building principal.

Required Qualifications

• Valid New York State certification in Students with Disabilities appropriate for the assigned grade level and program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Knowledge of IEP implementation, specially designed instruction, progress monitoring, and special education compliance.

• Ability to differentiate instruction and support students with diverse academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs.

• Strong classroom-management, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.

• Previous experience teaching students with disabilities in an elementary school setting.

• Experience in integrated co-teaching, resource room, or specialized classroom programs.

• Knowledge of evidence-based literacy and mathematics interventions.

• Experience implementing Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, and positive behavioral supports.

• Familiarity with assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning.

• Experience working in culturally and linguistically diverse school communities.

• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Desired Characteristics

The ideal candidate will be:

• Compassionate, patient, and committed to student success.

• Skilled at quickly establishing positive relationships and consistent classroom routines.

• Collaborative, dependable, organized, and flexible.

• Committed to equity, inclusion, and high expectations for every student.

• Able to enter an established program and provide consistent instructional leadership.

• Reflective and receptive to feedback and professional growth.

Compensation

Compensation will be provided in accordance with Mount Vernon City School District policies and the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

• Letter of interest

• Current résumé

• Copy of New York State certification

• College transcripts

• Three professional references

Please note: This is a temporary leave-replacement assignment and does not constitute a probationary or tenure-track appointment.

 

The Mount Vernon City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.