Special Education Teacher / ASD - JTPS

  • Watertown Public Schools
  • Watertown, Connecticut
  • Full Time

Position Type:

Special Education Teacher/Special Education Teacher

Date Posted:

5/21/2026

Location:

John Trumbull Primary School

Date Available:

08/20/2026

Closing Date:

06/12/2026

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Special Education Teacher

Position Title:Special Education Teacher - Autism Spectrum Disorder Classroom

Location: John Trumbull Primary School

Position Reports To:Interim Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services and

Building Administrator

Job ID: #2562

Internal Close Date:May 29, 2026

External Close Date:June 12, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: Upon Completion of Onboarding; Contractual year begins July 1; First day

of school year is August 20, 2026

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Teacher to lead our elementary-level autism spectrum disorder (ASD) classroom. The ideal candidate will have expertise in working with students on the autism spectrum and a passion for helping them reach their full potential.

Required Certifications

Current State of Connecticut Teaching Certificate #065, #165 or #265

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Special Education; Master's degree preferred
  • Valid state teaching license with Special Education (autism endorsements preferred but not required)
  • 2+ years of experience teaching students with autism spectrum disorders preferred
  • In-depth knowledge of evidence-based practices for teaching students with ASD and/or developmental disabilities
  • Strong skills in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other autism-specific interventions
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Patience, creativity, and ability to build positive relationships with students

Essential Skills, Knowledge Performance Abilities

Instructional Planning and Delivery

  • Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with ASD and other developmental disabilities
  • Prepare and deliver engaging, interactive lessons designed to ensure all students reach their potential
  • Create individualized and specific lesson plans addressing core academic subjects, social skills, communication, and life skills
  • Provide differentiated and integrated instruction across all academic content areas
  • Incorporate social-emotional learning objectives into lesson plans
  • Implement evidence-based strategies and utilize trauma-informed teaching practices
  • Adapt the learning environment to meet sensory needs of students with ASD
  • Utilize visual supports, structured teaching methods, and assistive technology appropriate for students with ASD

Student Support and Case Management

  • Case manage the development and implementation of IEPs for assigned students
  • Conduct diagnostic evaluations to identify learning issues and social-behavioral needs
  • Observe, collect data, and evaluate students' progress toward achieving IEP goals and objectives
  • Create and coordinate student schedules with behavior technicians, paraeducators, related services providers, and general educators
  • Implement effective behavioral strategies, positive behavior support, and crisis intervention techniques as needed
  • Modify and accommodate for students with special needs to facilitate their access to classroom instruction, activities, field trips, and recreational opportunities

Collaboration and Communication

  • Work effectively with a multidisciplinary team of professionals to coordinate appropriate services
  • Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion and mainstream opportunities
  • Assist teaching staff in implementing students' IEPs and behavior management plans
  • Direct, schedule, and assist in training paraprofessional staff to support students' learning
  • Encourage parental involvement and ensure effective communication with students and parents/guardians
  • Prepare and share reports on students' performance and progress
  • Classroom and School Culture
  • Work to create a positive classroom and school culture
  • Implement effective behavioral strategies and techniques as needed
  • Provide guidance and training to classroom aides and paraprofessionals

Professional Development and Expertise

  • Engage in continued growth through professional learning focused on best practices for students with ASD
  • Develop familiarity with assistive technology and alternative communication systems
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of student progress
  • Stay current with special education laws, regulations, and best practices

The successful candidate will join our collaborative team in creating a supportive, structured learning environment where students with ASD can thrive academically and socially. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with autism or developmental disabilities, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Duties

  • This position reports to the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services
  • Perform all other duties that may be assigned by the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services and/or the Building Administrator

Terms of Employment

Commensurate with working agreement between the Watertown Board of Education and the Watertown Education Association

Work Schedule

  • Monday - Friday
  • Time: 8:25am - 3:35pm

All application materials must be submitted online, through Applitrack; should you have any difficulty in submitting your online application please contact ....

  • District reserves the right to close the posting if a suitable candidate is found prior to the external closing date.

Attachment(s):

  • #2562 Special Education Teacher _ ASD - JTPS.pdf
Job ID: 522250981
Originally Posted on: 5/23/2026

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