Head Instructor Jobs in Pawtucket, RI (NOW HIRING)

Introduction
Are you an experienced special education professional/educator who is passionate for educating the "future of the field" and looking to transform the lives of CT's youth population? If so, we could have just the opportunity you've been looking for!
The State of Connecticut, Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is recruiting an anticipated vacancy for a Special Education Department Head (Durational) to join our team at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School located in Killingly, CT.
To be considered for this position, Special Education Instructors must posses an active State of Connecticut teaching certificate in one of the following areas:

• 092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision or 105 Department Chairperson AND Special Education (Instructor) Qualifications
• OR be Eligible for a State of Connecticut teaching certificate in subject area (includes ARC candidates).

Through exemplary trade and academic programming, CTECS prepares trade-bound students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut. We invite you to explore our CTECS Instructor Information webpage for more information.
Position Highlights:

• Schedule: first shift, (35 hours per week) Monday through Friday.
• Location: Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School
• Salary: VS01-VS02, derived from the State Vocational Federation of Teachers.
• Durational position: November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027

The Role:
The Special Education Department Head is a teacher and instructional leader that promotes student achievement for identified students, facilitates the operation of the department, and regulates compliance with state and federal regulations. The Special Education Department Head is responsible for developing a shared understanding of purposeful planning and progress monitoring as key components for special education students to effectively access curriculum, meet trade and academic competencies, and master the goals and objectives in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The Special Education Department Head plans and conducts regularly scheduled department meetings to determine department goals, facilitate department tasks, communicates administrative decisions, and collect department feedback and input.
Benefits and Balance at the State of Connecticut
We take part in a competitive benefits plan which includes:

• Option to maintain State of Connecticut Teacher Retirement Plan or enroll in the State Employee Retirement System
• A variety of medical and dental plans
• Sick and personal leave
• The State of CT is an eligible Public Services Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service

As a CTECS employee, you may also benefit from:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Extra Income Opportunities
• Professional Development
• Career Growth within our System

Visit the CTECS Employee Benefits page to learn more!
In addition, the State puts an emphasis on:

• Providing limitless opportunities
• Hiring for diverse and fresh perspectives
• Performing meaningful work and
• Encouraging a healthy work/life balance!

About Us:
For over 100 years, CTECS has been the leading force in Career Technical Education (CTE) in the State of Connecticut. CTECS operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center and two airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance programs. The school system provides a direct employment pipeline for high school students and adult learners.
Selection Plan
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS RECRUITMENT:

• Please include any related endorsements and/or certification and licensure credential details within your application.
• Be sure to select all locations you are interested in and commutable to.

Please note that CTECS takes part in the E-Verify system, which is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at Christopher.Lavallee@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System this class is accountable for educating students in academic and trade coursework while also serving as an instructional leader who facilitates the operations of a department.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The Special Education Department Head is a teacher leader responsible for advancing student achievement, ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations, and supporting the effective operation of the department. Through instructional coaching, collaborative leadership, and operational oversight, the Department Head develops staff capacity to implement high-quality special education services that enable students to access curriculum, achieve academic and technical competencies, and make progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
The Department Head serves as a liaison among students, families, staff, administration, community agencies, and district personnel to ensure the effective delivery of special education services and equitable access to educational opportunities. The Department Head oversees the implementation and monitoring of IEPs, supports compliant service delivery and scheduling, chairs Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, reviews and finalizes special education documents, and monitors departmental practices to ensure adherence to state and federal mandates.
In partnership with school administration and Central Office, the Department Head utilizes student performance and program data to support continuous improvement, leads professional learning and collaborative problem-solving processes, coordinates staffing and service assignments, and oversees departmental budgeting, scheduling, compliance systems, and operational procedures to ensure effective and legally compliant special education programming for all identified students.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a high school setting (grades 9-12).
• Experience with trade and career pathways for students with disabilities.
• Experience using a variety of assessment measures and student data to inform instruction, monitor progress, and improve student outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations, written reports, meeting facilitation, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and related educational technology platforms.
• Experience scheduling and chairing Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings.
• Experience in the development, review, and finalization of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Knowledge of and experience with monitoring compliance with federal and state special education regulations and timelines.
• Experience coordinating student schedules and service delivery based on IEP service hours and program requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a liaison among families, school staff, administration, Central Office personnel, and outside agencies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents must possess at time of appointment a valid certificate issued by the Connecticut State Board of Education in accordance with the Certification Regulations Concerning State Educator Certificates, Permits and Authorizations, with a secondary school endorsement.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.