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TITLE: Special Education Teacher, Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support (Breathe Program) Longfellow Elementary
 

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Portland Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified Special Educator for our Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support Program (a.k.e. "Breathe") at Longfellow Elementary School from August 24 to November 16, 2026.  The LTS Special Education Teacher will work with students in both the mainstream and Special Education setting, and collaborate with the Program Social Worker to determine optimal programming for students. The LTS 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. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide evidence-based specially designed instruction to students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) to ensure that each student progresses in meeting the district's learning benchmarks
• Serve as case manager for each student, overseeing IEPs and conducting IEP meetings
• Ensure compliance with requirements in the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations-Chapter 101 including timelines related to the IEP process and IEP development
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, PPS policy and administrative regulation
• Support students with emotional disabilities and Other Health Impairments (OHI)
• Create meaningful Positive Behavior Support plans
• Collaborate with the Program Social Worker, School Principals, and other related service providers (SLPs, OT, PT, etc.)
• Consult with regular education teachers on a recurring basis regarding educational needs, accommodations, and modifications; provide academic support for mainstream classroom assignments
• Administer academic achievement assessments for initial referrals and triennial reviews
• Develop pathways to support students' progress toward meeting academic standard
• Attend meetings, professional development and in-service training
• Coordinate ed techs' schedules to best support students in mainstream classes
• Takes all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Communicate student progress with parents/guardians

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and a keen understanding of the social and emotional needs of students, knowing de-escalation strategies as well as long-term planning necessary
• Strong working knowledge and experience in PBIS or similar frameworks that support students' social/emotional growth
• Understanding of the teaching/learning process for students with disabilities
• Ability to relate positively to students, parents, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills
• Willingness to reflect on personal implicit bias and a commitment to challenging personal perspectives and deepening self-awareness
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Experience working with behavioral disabilities, experience with standards-based experiential and/or expeditionary learning

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university
• Masters in Special Education preferred
• Experience in special education (includes internships and field placements)
• Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience are welcome
• Portland Public Schools values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info).
• Maine State Teacher Certificate with at least one of the following endorsements (more info):
  • Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities, K-8)
  • Endorsement 286 (Severe Impaired, K-12)
• CPI training certification (or ability to be certified) preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with implementing PSPs and safety plans
• Frequent bending, walking, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 35 pounds may be required

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Temporary (approx. dates of coverage are Aug 24Nov 16, 2026)
• Wage: ~$36.43 per hour (26-27 rate will be slightly higher)
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here (may not be updated with 25-26 plan information or $ amounts)

ABOUT LONGFELLOW:

Located in Deering Center on Stevens Avenue, between Deering High School and Lincoln Middle School, Longfellow Elementary School is a PK5 school serving approximately 250 students. We are committed to academic excellence, social-emotional learning, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, while fostering a strong sense of belonging for every member of our community. Our Longfellow community is supportive and collaborative, with a shared goal of ensuring that every student feels included, valued, and empowered with the tools and strategies they need to be successful.

We prioritize explicit, systematic literacy instruction and data-driven practices in grades K2, and implement EL Education across K5 alongside Illustrative Mathematics to promote inquiry, engagement, and deep understanding. Professional collaboration and coaching are central to our work. Each staff member participates in multiple teams, including administration, special education, multilingual/intervention/RTI, and instructional coaching, to support continuous growth and student success.

Our school is grounded in a strong commitment to equity and anti-racist practices. We center restorative approaches, honor multilingual learners as assets, and engage in ongoing reflection and dialogue around identity and bias. As part of Portland Public Schools, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for both students and staff, with meaningful opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, leadership, and belonging.

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