Special Education Teacher - LaGrange School Program in Poughkeepsie, NY

Special Education Teacher - LaGrange School Program in Poughkeepsie, NY

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world.

Abilities First is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes and supports individuals of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio‑economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission‑driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you’re ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Abilities First is seeking a full‑time Special Education Teacher for our LaGrange School Program in Poughkeepsie, NY. The Classroom Teacher is responsible for the assessment of individual students’ needs, lesson plans, supervision of classroom staff, curriculum planning and development.

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm; 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. This position follows the school calendar (September – June), with a 6‑week summer program.

$52,000‑$53,000 with a Bachelor's Degree; $57,000‑$58,000 with a Master's Degree.

• Where appropriate, assesses the developmental level of students using a standardized assessment tool, as well as conducts ongoing assessment.
• Plans and implements an instructional program which meets the individual age‑appropriate educational needs of each child and is based on the designated curriculum of the program. Writes IEP (for special needs children), progress notes and weekly lesson plans. Maintains portfolio of student work.
• Organizes and maintains an environment which facilitates children’s learning, including use of space, selection of materials, scheduling and behavior management.
• Directs classroom support staff in the assessment, planning and carrying out of the educational program, including usage of classroom computers.
• Confers with related service staff where appropriate to ensure the implementation of therapy goals (OT, PT and speech) in the classroom.
• Develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals, maintains positive social‑emotional climate which enhances the performance of staff and self‑concept of children.
• Works with parents/guardians through informal communications, a daily log, conferences, newsletters, Open House, volunteer opportunities and annual review (for classified students) to share knowledge of children and achieve common goals.
• Attends professional/general staff meetings and in‑service training within the agency, district and community. Shares knowledge with other teaching staff (Minimum of 30 hours every 2 years.)
• Participates as an active member of the Advisory Board.
• Shares knowledge of children with other professionals in order to meet child’s educational needs at team meetings and School District CPSE/CSE meetings.
• Provides an adequate and safe level of supervision to students and, where a question rises as to the level of adequacy, seeks guidance from Director.
• Attends all curriculum training sessions and implements the program fully within the classroom, including utilization of assessment tools.
• Adheres to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which requires all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
• Will incorporate core…