Ape Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

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 is welcoming and supportive of people 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.

Who We Need

We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Adaptive PE Teacher / Floating Teacher position for our Hyde Park and Wappingers Falls School programs. This is a split position working as an Adaptive PE Teacher and a Floating Teacher with the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all school-age children at every level of ability.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-3:30 pm, 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program) This position is split between providing Physical Education, Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am (15 hours per week) and working as a Floating Teacher, Monday -Friday from 11:00 – 3:00 pm (17.5 hours per week)

Annual Salary: $52,000.00 - $53,000.00 with BA

$57,000.00 - $58,000.00 with MA

Examples of Tasks to be Performed:

• The APE Teacher Schedules individual and group Physical Education sessions
• The APE Teacher informally assesses students receiving Physical Education services.
• The APE Teacher formulates an age-appropriate treatment plan for each student.
• The APE Teacher writes and implements IEP goals for each student.
• The APE teacher consults with classroom teachers and other therapists to discuss appropriate treatment plan for each student, when applicable.
• The APE Teacher selects, orders, and maintains physical education therapy supplies and equipment.
• The APE Teacher attends professional staff meetings and in-service training.
• The APE Teacher follows agency policies and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety of others.
• The APE Teacher performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Examples of Tasks to be performed as the Floating Teacher:

• The classroom teacher uses standardized and non-standardized assessment tools to determine the current level of performance of each student.
• The classroom teacher coordinates the planning and implementation of an instructional program that needs the individual age-appropriate educational needs of each student in the classroom.
• The classroom teacher writes IEP’s monthly progress notes and weekly lesson plans.
• The classroom teacher organizes and maintains a neat and structured environment, which assists the facilitation of each student’s learning, which includes the use of space, selection of materials, scheduling, and behavior management.
• Then classroom teacher coordinates classroom support staff the assessment, planning and implementation of each student’s IEP.
• The classroom teacher assists in the classroom according to staffing patterns and students’ needs (changing diapers, assistance with toileting, assistance with feeding) leading by example.
• The classroom teacher escorts and assists students to and from the bus providing opportunities for student’s increased independence in orientation and mobility.
• The classroom teacher observes and arranges for staff to observe related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and vision services to ensure the execution of those goals in the classroom. The classroom teacher should also encourage the “push-in” model of therapy within the classroom environment, when appropriate.
• The classroom teacher develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals, maintains a good social-emotional climate, which serves to enhance the overall performance of the classroom staff, as well as creating the positive self-esteem of each student.
• The classroom teacher attends professional/general staff meetings and in service training within the agency and throughout the community and shares that knowledge with other members of the staff.
• The classroom teacher shares knowledge of the student with other professionals in order to appropriately meet each student’s educational needs at classroom Team Meetings, Doctor’s Conferences and School. District Committee on Special Education Annual Meetings.
• The classroom teacher provides and maintains a sufficient and safe level of supervision of each student for the amount of time that is spent in school.
• The classroom teacher follows all agency policies and procedures and demonstrates a continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• The classroom teacher performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• 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.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require 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.

• Perks & Benefits:
• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan for The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

Requirements

• New York State Certification in Adaptive and/or Physical Education Master's Degree preferred.
• Bachelor's with Certificate of Qualification or Provisional Certificate.
• Experience working with students who are multiply disabled helpful.
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.

A Note on Qualifications:

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization