Job Description

The Senior Lead Teacher plays a vital role in guiding children toward the fulfillment of their cognitive, social, and emotional growth and maturation within Woodfords’ Special Purpose Private School program. Working closely with the Program Director, Program Coordinator, Lead Teachers, and classroom staff, this position supports educational programming, classroom operations, progress monitoring, curriculum development, and behavioral support across SPPS classrooms.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teachers and classroom staff in developing developmentally appropriate programming, individualized goals, and educational objectives for children enrolled in the program.
• Attend IEP meetings and provide support as a special education consultant within the SPPS setting.
• Assist with progress monitoring for K–5 students on a monthly and quarterly basis, as well as support data collection and report card preparation for public schools.
• Support academic testing as needed, including preparation for triannual meetings.
• Assist with the development and modification of educational plans for enrolled children in collaboration with Lead Teachers, Ed Techs, BHPs, and therapists.
• Implement and oversee curriculum development for SPPS classrooms and help identify developmentally appropriate accommodations.
• Provide direct classroom support through observation of programming, behavioral support, and direct care based on each child’s individual education and/or treatment plan.
• Assist with training and ongoing support for newly hired and current Ed Techs and Behavioral Health Professionals.
• Maintain frequent communication and collaboration with therapists and other members of each child’s team

Opportunity Details

• Full-time, Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
• $61,000 - $64,000 depending on experience
• Initially based in Waterville, school moving to Manchester in September 2026
• Regular attendance at work, meetings, and training is essential to the position

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field required
• Conditional 282 Certification (Birth–5 and K–8) from the Maine Department of Education required, full 282 Certification preferred
• Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) certification required
• At least two years of experience working with children with special needs required
• Training and experience implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) procedures in educational settings required
• Valid driver’s license required; driving to and from field trips may be necessary

Comprehensive Benefits Package

At Woodfords, we know that meaningful work starts with a supportive workplace. In addition to joining an inclusive and positive work culture that values your professional growth and commitment to children and families, full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive Health Insurance (with multiple plan options!)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 1 Floating Holiday
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 5% Agency Match
• Gym/Fitness membership reimbursement
• Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employer-Paid Group Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP Benefits)
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• Exclusive Verizon Discount

Woodfords Family Services is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Who We Are

Woodfords Family Services is a nonprofit organization that’s been committed to the support and inclusion of people with special needs and their families in Maine communities for over 55 years. Today, the organization provides a wide array of clinical, educational, behavioral health, residential, community, and family support programs to more than 2,000 children, youth, and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and/or mental health diagnoses throughout the state.

Woodfords is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), reflecting our commitment to quality, accountability, and the delivery of the highest standard of care.