Job Description

TITLE: Itinerant Pre-K Special Education Teacher � District Wide

Portland Public Schools seeks a skilled, collaborative, and dedicated Special Education Teacher to support Pre-K students in an itinerant, district-wide role. This position provides specially designed instruction across multiple early childhood settings, ensuring that young learners with disabilities receive high-quality, inclusive educational experiences aligned with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

This role has a strong emphasis on both direct service and adult coaching. The teacher will deliver individualized and small-group instruction, while also serving as a key resource and first line of support for classroom educators, Education Technicians, and related service providers. Through consultation and collaboration, this position helps ensure consistent, effective implementation of instructional and behavioral strategies across settings to address student's IEP goals.

This is an opportunity to have a broad, district-wide impact by strengthening inclusive practices, supporting early childhood teams, and building cohesive systems of support for Pre-K students.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide specialized instruction aligned with students' IEPs in a variety of early childhood settings
• Plan and implement individualized and small-group instruction to support developmental, functional, and early academic skills; related to students IEP goals
• Develop, select, and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the diverse needs of Pre-K learners
• Create structured, engaging learning environments that promote student independence, participation, and inclusion
• Support students' successful participation in general education Pre-K classrooms
• Serve in a consultation and coaching role with classroom teachers, Education Technicians, and related service providers to support implementation of instructional strategies, accommodations, and IEP goals
• Act as a key resource and first line of support for Pre-K teams when problem-solving student needs or classroom challenges for students in referral or with IEPs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment of instructional practices and services
• Monitor and evaluate student progress and adjust instruction based on data
• Maintain appropriate records, ensure compliance with timelines, and follow all required procedures in alignment with IDEA and state regulations
• Build and sustain strong, respectful partnerships with families
• Communicate effectively and consistently with students, parents, and staff
• Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong background in early childhood development
• Deep understanding of the teaching and learning process for students with disabilities
• Knowledge of inclusive practices and behavioral supports for young children
• Ability to coach and support adults in implementing effective instructional and behavioral strategies
• Strong collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and a commitment to equitable and inclusive practices
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office staff, families, and community partners
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Data collection skills to document progress towards student's IEP goals and assess the efficacy of evidence based practices
• Knowledge and understanding of dual language learners and supporting young children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position serves multiple district sites; travel between locations is required
• This role supports a manageable caseload across Pre-K programs

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization. (more info)
• Maine State Teaching Certificate with one of the following (more info):
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, 0-5)
  • Endorsement 286 (Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, PK-12)
  • Endorsement 660 (ESOL PK-12) - preferred

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: Director of Pre-K
• Location: Itinerant, but with home base at East End
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.