Title - Probationary SPED/Literacy Teacher 

Location — Rensselaer Academy, Rensselaer, NY

Intro

Here at Questar III BOCES, we believe in changing lives, realizing dreams and doing together what can’t be done alone.  Our vision is that of creating a student-centered culture and putting students first. Our core values include a commitment to excellence by honing our craftsmanship to deliver high-quality work, a commitment to leadership & service by moving the organization, departments and school districts forward by exceeding client expectations, and a commitment to innovation by creating programs and services to address client needs AND by continuously improving our programs and operations.  We believe that organizational excellence is best achieved when leadership is reflective of our diverse society.

About

The Probationary Special Education (SPED)/Literacy Teacher provides specialized instruction and literacy intervention to students with disabilities and those requiring targeted reading support. Working collaboratively with general education teachers, administrators, specialists, and families, this educator develops and implements individualized instructional plans that promote academic growth, literacy development, and student success in an inclusive learning environment. This probationary position offers mentorship, professional development, and ongoing performance support during the probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, evidence-based instruction in reading, writing, and literacy skills aligned with state standards and district curriculum.

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Conduct ongoing assessments to identify student needs, monitor progress, and adjust instruction accordingly.

• Deliver specialized instruction in individual, small-group, and inclusive classroom settings.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction and implement accommodations and modifications.

• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress, IEP goals, assessments, and required compliance records.

• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and parent conferences.

• Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, independence, and self-advocacy.

• Utilize research-based literacy interventions and instructional strategies to improve reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and writing skills.

• Implement classroom management practices that support positive student behavior and social-emotional growth.

• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress and instructional goals.

• Participate in professional development, mentoring, and district initiatives to strengthen instructional practice.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the building administrator.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education, Reading, Literacy, or a related field.

• Reading Specialist certification or structured literacy training (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, LETRS, Wilson Reading System, or similar).

• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs.

• Familiarity with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

• Experience using educational technology and data-driven instructional practices.

• Knowledge of literacy instruction, reading interventions, and evidence-based instructional practices.

• Understanding of special education laws, regulations, and IEP development.

• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

• Commitment to equitable educational opportunities for all learners

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district policies, state educator evaluation standards, and the terms of the probationary employment agreement.

 

Title - Probationary SPED/Math Teacher 

Location - Robert H. Gibson Special Education School, Troy, NY  

Intro

Here at Questar III BOCES, we believe in changing lives, realizing dreams and doing together what can’t be done alone.  Our vision is that of creating a student-centered culture and putting students first. Our core values include a commitment to excellence by honing our craftsmanship to deliver high-quality work, a commitment to leadership & service by moving the organization, departments and school districts forward by exceeding client expectations, and a commitment to innovation by creating programs and services to address client needs AND by continuously improving our programs and operations.  We believe that organizational excellence is best achieved when leadership is reflective of our diverse society.

About

Robert H. Gibson Special Education School is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Special Education/Mathematics Teacher to provide high-quality, standards-based instruction to students with disabilities in a supportive educational environment. The successful candidate will deliver individualized instruction aligned with New York State Learning Standards while implementing students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This educator will foster academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and independence through evidence-based instructional practices and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum

• Plan and deliver engaging mathematics instruction aligned with the New York State Learning Standards.

• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities.

• Develop and implement lesson plans that incorporate evidence-based instructional strategies.

• Utilize a variety of instructional methods, assistive technology, and educational resources to maximize student learning.

• Assess student progress regularly and adjust instruction based on data.

Special Education Responsibilities

• Implement all components of students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

• Develop measurable goals and objectives in collaboration with the Committee on Special Education (CSE).

• Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and maintain accurate documentation.

• Participate in CSE meetings, annual reviews, reevaluations, and related planning meetings.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district special education regulations.

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a structured, positive, and inclusive learning environment.

• Implement behavior intervention plans and utilize positive behavioral supports.

• Promote student independence, self-advocacy, and appropriate social interactions.

• Maintain a safe classroom environment consistent with district policies.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, teaching assistants, administrators, and families to support student success.

• Maintain ongoing communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress.

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and professional learning communities.

• Work collaboratively with school staff to develop and implement student supports.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate student records, attendance, grades, and required documentation.

• Participate in professional development and district initiatives.

• Maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or designee.

Qualifications

• Valid New York State Teaching Certification in Special Education.

• Appropriate New York State certification to teach Mathematics (or eligibility as required by assignment).

• Demonstrated knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.

• Knowledge of differentiated instruction, progress monitoring, and data-driven decision making.

• Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work effectively with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred

• Experience working with students with diverse learning, behavioral, and emotional needs.

• Experience implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

• Familiarity with assistive technology and instructional technology tools.

• Experience with alternate assessments and specially designed instruction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to inclusive educational practices and equitable learning opportunities.

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

• Ability to build positive relationships with students and families.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to analyze assessment data to inform instruction.

• Commitment to continuous professional growth.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the school building and classroom.

• Ability to supervise students in a variety of educational settings.

• Ability to perform the physical demands associated with working in a special education environment, including crisis intervention training.

Terms of Employment

• Probationary appointment in accordance with New York State Education Law, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and Board of Education policies.

• Salary and benefits in accordance with the applicable negotiated agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Robert H. Gibson Special Education School and its governing district are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification under applicable law.