Job Description

TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Resource Room - Talbot Community School, 26-27 SY

Portland Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified Special Educator for our Resource Room at Talbot Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. The Special Education Teacher is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services in students' Individual Education Plans and providing specialized instruction to ensure that each student progresses in meeting IEP goals. Applicant should have a strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students' social/emotional growth. The ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff is essential to this position.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver evidence-based Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and ensure student progress toward IEP goals.
• Act as case manager, ensuring compliance with Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101 for IEP development and timelines.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers (OT/PT/Speech), and staff.
• Administer academic assessments for evaluations and attend required meetings and professional development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to implement PPS curriculum, policies, and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to deliver standards-based SDI across diverse grade levels and subjects.
• Experience in leading therapeutic, instructional teams through collaboration.
• Understanding of teaching students with disabilities, particularly within a resource/specialized setting.
• Commitment to culturally responsive instruction, technology integration, and positive behavioral interventions (PBIS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to self-awareness regarding implicit bias.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable education field.
• Strongly values candidates with bilingual skills, reflecting the district's diversity.

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization.
• Maine State Teacher Certificate with one or both of the following endorsements (more info):
  • 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, K-6 or K-8)
  • 286 (Teacher of Children with Severe Disabilities, PK-12)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• 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

ABOUT TALBOT:

Gerald E. Talbot Community School is a Pre-K through Grade 5 school of nearly 400 students named in honor of Gerald E. Talbot, one of the most cherished and respected community leaders in Portland, ME. We are proud of our diverse population of learners from around the world, who speak 23 different languages. Talbot is a Title I school and is also recognized by the MDOE as a community school, which means we focus on meeting not only the academic needs of our students but also their broader developmental needs, including ensuring their physical and mental health, promoting their social and community engagement and supporting and strengthening their families and neighborhood. In addition to housing one of the district's functional life skills (FLS) programs, our building is also shared with a branch of the Portland Public Library, a Greater Portland Health dental office, and space for the Recreation Department of Portland Parks and Recreation, including a community swimming pool.

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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.