Special Education Teacher - Social Skills, Executive Functioning, and Behavior Program at Pond Cove

About Pond Cove Elementary School

Pond Cove Elementary School is a high-performing K?4 school serving more than 550 students and employing approximately 80 staff members. We are committed to excellence in teaching and learning and hold high expectations for student achievement, professional practice, collaboration, and continuous growth.

We are seeking an exceptional special educator to lead The Compass Program, a specialized program that provides individualized social-emotional, executive functioning, behavioral, and academic services and supports for students with autism and other mild to moderate disabilities. Through targeted instruction, intervention, and support, students develop the skills needed to thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally in the school setting.

Position Overview

The Compass Program provides specialized support for students whose disabilities impact their ability to successfully access the academic, behavioral, and social demands of school. Students receive individualized instruction and support in areas such as:

• Executive functioning skills
• Self-regulation
• Social communication and problem-solving
• Behavioral regulation
• Organization and task completion
• Independence and self-advocacy
• Academics

The successful candidate will design, implement, and monitor specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned to students' IEP goals and individualized needs. Responsibilities include direct instruction, progress monitoring, behavior support planning, collaboration with classroom teachers, and communication with families and service providers.

The position also includes special education case management responsibilities, including IEP and behavior support plan development, progress monitoring, documentation, meeting facilitation, and ensuring compliance with all state and federal special education regulations and timelines.

In addition, this position serves as the lead teacher for the program and includes direct supervision of six educational technicians. The successful candidate will coordinate services, develop schedules, provide coaching and feedback, and ensure consistent implementation of instructional and behavioral supports across settings.

Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred
• Maine Teacher of Exceptional Students Certification (282)
• Maine Criminal History Record Check (CHRC)

Professional Qualifications

• Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, executive functioning challenges, social-emotional learning, and behavior support practices
• Knowledge of special education law, regulations, procedural safeguards, and compliance requirements
• Experience managing special education caseloads and developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs
• Ability to collect, analyze, and utilize data to inform instructional and behavioral decision-making
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and collaboration skills
• Ability to effectively supervise, support, and coach educational technicians

Preferred Experience and Training

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles
• Executive functioning interventions and coaching
• Social skills instruction
• Trauma-informed practices
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• Responsive Classroom
• Explicit and systematic instructional programs (e.g., SPIRE, Wilson, Fundations, Lindamood-Bell, Orton-Gillingham)

Desired Competencies

• Design and deliver individualized, data-driven instruction aligned to student needs and IEP goals
• Develop and oversee behavioral, social, and executive functioning interventions that foster student independence, self-regulation, social competence, and self-advocacy
• Lead and supervise a team of educational technicians
• Collaborate effectively with families, teachers, specialists, and administrators
• Maintain compliance with all special education requirements while ensuring high-quality services for students
• Contribute positively to a culture of collaboration, growth, and continuous improvement

Personal Characteristics

We are seeking an educator who is:

• Student-centered
• Organized and dependable
• Flexible and adaptable
• An effective communicator
• Collaborative and relationship-focused
• A strong leader
• Committed to continuous learning and professional growth

Application Instructions
Cape Elizabeth Schools will not accept paper or emailed applications or supporting materials. All applications and supporting materials are to be completed online via Frontline Recruiting & Hiring (formerly Applitrack) at and must include the following:

Completed online application (this includes answers to writing prompts)

1. Cover letter specific to the posted position
2. Current resume
3. Copies of all post-secondary transcripts
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Copy of current Maine teaching certification or proof of pending certification

Application deadline: Until a suitable candidate is found

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Department of Education Certification Information can be obtained online at the Maine Dept of Education website. For more information about Maine's Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) process, please visit or call the Maine Certification Office at ....

Cape Elizabeth is a residential community located on the Atlantic Ocean three miles south of Portland, two hours north of Boston, and covers about 15 square miles. It has a population of 9,068 residents living in 3,200 households. Cape Elizabeth has three schools; Pond Cove Elementary School, grades K-4; Cape Elizabeth Middle School, grades 5-8; and, Cape Elizabeth High School, grades 9-12. All schools are located within easy walking distance of each other. Please visit our website for more information.