Special Education Teacher / ASD - SMS

Position Type:

Special Education Teacher/Special Education Teacher

Date Posted:

5/21/2026

Location:

Swift Middle School

Date Available:

08/20/2026

Closing Date:

06/12/2026

&nbsp&nbspAdditional Information: Show/Hide

Special Education Teacher

Position Title: Special Education Teacher - Autism Spectrum Disorder Classroom

Location: Swift Middle School

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

Building Administrator

Job ID: #2564

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 middle school-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. Responsibilities include but are not limited to delivering academic instruction, data collection and analysis, and the creation and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for all students in the program.

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, 7:30am-2:40pm

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):

• #2564 Special Education Teacher _ ASD - SMS.pdf