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