Social Communication Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Starting Date: Jul 13, 2026

Job Type: Contract (213-day)

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters Degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Level 3B Administrative License from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
• Special Education Teaching License or Related Service Provider License from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
• Minimum of 6 years working as a Special Education Teacher or other related field.
• Preferred 3-5 years of school administrative experience; exceptions may be made on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Special Services Executive Director.

Position Description

The Special Education Social Communication Programs Assistant Principal is directly responsible for improving the academic and behavioral performance of students within the Special Education Social Communication Programs. The role manages and coordinates specialized services including special education, consultation with families and/or outside services, and other related services for students with disabilities in the social communication programs. The overarching goal is to help students with disabilities achieve breakthrough academic achievement, prosocial behaviors, appropriate communication skills, and to ensure that Individualized Education Plans are met with robust and rigorous strategies.

Social Communication District Program Description

These small group classrooms are designed for students with significant communication, social, and behavioral needs. They provide a highly structured, language‑rich learning environment targeting specific skill development in functional communication, pragmatic language, social skills, adaptive skills, and academics. A multidisciplinary team—including special and general education teachers, educational assistants, and related service providers such as speech‑language pathologists, school social workers, and behavior specialists—supports students through evidence‑based instructional strategies and interventions such as systematic instruction, applied behavior analysis, visual supports, and functional communication training.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate the teaching program with site‑based goals and district‑wide objectives.
• Use and apply appropriate conflict‑resolution skills with students.
• Maintain a positive attitude and ensure a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Lead committees when interviewing and hiring staff.
• Collaborate consistently with site and Special Services Administration.
• Perform daily AM/PM, and lunch duty in areas where students are present.
• Supervise the credentialing system for teacher level advancement.
• Attend and monitor evening/weekend events related to Social Communication Programs.
• Serve as the resource and authority for grade reporting and review.
• Assist in graduation requirements, arrangements, and ceremony for students in Social Communication Programs.
• Manage inventory data collection, deletion, and accounting of Social Communication Programs.
• Lead daily programmatic training and meetings for student needs in functional communication and prosocial behaviors, Social‑Communication Program development, and Instructional Team problem‑solving.
• Ensure compliance with Special Education laws and regulations.
• Conduct teacher observations, evaluations, and professional development planning for Social Communication Program staff.
• Participate in Planned Learning Community activities.
• Monitor daily attendance and truancy issues of students.
• Account for local, state, and federal budget matters.
• Protect confidential information and work with administration on policy management.
• Facilitate Individual Education Plan meetings as district representative in accordance with federal regulations.
• Follow established processes for placement of eligible students.
• Consult with teachers, service providers, and parents to develop IEPs that meet current needs.
• Provide leadership in delivering instruction in the Least Restrictive Environment.
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs with immediate feedback on instructional practices.
• Serve as liaison between Special Services Department and program sites or community.
• Collaborate on discipline files and monitor suspension days for FAPE compliance.
• Provide enrollment and scheduling input for staffing purposes.
• Work with case managers and instruction leaders to review transcripts, graduation progress, and IEP schedules to ensure graduation completion.
• Create and review student schedules in PowerSchool according to IEP schedule of services.
• Comply with New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility and RRPS Employee Standards.
• Coordinate and monitor Mental Health Services of partner organizations.
• Ensure implementation of accommodations in the general education environment.
• Substitute in Social Communication classrooms as needed.
• Support toileting/diapering duties for students when required.
• Perform other duties assigned by the district as needed.

Work Hours

Work hours are established in the employment contract; additional hours may be assigned by the Executive Director of Special Services or in collaboration with site principals.

Accountability

Reports to the Executive Director of Special Services and, in consultation with Special Services Directors and site administration.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Rio Rancho Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.