Special Education Teacher

ACES Brightwell Academy is a specialized educational program designed to serve students with autism who have diverse learning profiles and require a highly structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment. The program focuses on rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, student engagement, and transitional programming that support students throughout credit acquisition and beyond credit completion, all aligned with earning a high school diploma.

Students at Brightwell Academy benefit from a personalized and relationship-based setting where instruction is individualized and strengths-based. The program emphasizes academic growth, social communication, executive functioning, independence, and career readiness. Students are supported in developing pathways toward postsecondary education, employment, and community participation while maintaining access to a diploma-aligned curriculum.

Instruction integrates core academic subjects, including science, mathematics, reading, writing, and social studies, with project-based learning, career readiness, life skills, physical education, health and wellness, vocational exploration, and community-based learning experiences. Social-emotional learning is embedded throughout the program and supported by wraparound services, including school-based social work, related services, and community partnerships. Transitional planning and reintegration services are provided during enrollment and continue for up to six months following graduation or return to a local school placement, with a focus on academic continuity and community support.

Position Summary

ACES is seeking a dynamic and committed Special Education Teacher to join the Brightwell Academy team. This position serves students with autism who have diverse learning strengths and support needs and benefit from individualized instruction, structured supports, and intentional social, emotional, and behavioral skill development. The ideal candidate is passionate about equity, inclusion, and social justice and is dedicated to supporting students who have experienced barriers to success in traditional educational environments.

The Special Education Teacher will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring individualized educational programming while collaborating closely with general education teachers, clinicians, and support staff. This role requires strong knowledge of special education law, individualized education program development and implementation, and data-driven instructional practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide specialized instruction aligned with Connecticut academic standards and individualized education program goals for students with autism.
2. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized education programs, including academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and transition goals.
3. Support students during credit acquisition and post-credit programming with an emphasis on transition planning, independence, and postsecondary readiness.
4. Collaborate with content area teachers to design inclusive, rigorous, and engaging academic experiences while providing tiered interventions and accommodations.
5. Integrate social-emotional learning, executive functioning skills, and engagement strategies into daily instruction.
6. Use data to inform instruction, progress monitoring, and program adjustments.
7. Participate actively in professional learning communities, team planning meetings, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
8. Communicate regularly with families, case managers, and community partners to support student progress and transitions.
9. Support reintegration and transition services for students returning to local schools or graduating, including follow-up academic and community support.

Connecticut Certification Requirements

Candidates must meet Connecticut State Department of Education certification requirements, including the following.

1. Valid Connecticut teaching certification in Special Education, such as Comprehensive Special Education grades K to 12 or appropriate endorsement aligned to the student population served.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of Connecticut special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and Section 504.
3. Experience with individualized education program development, implementation, and evaluation in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
4. Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices for students with autism and related disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working with students with autism who have diverse learning profiles in a specialized or therapeutic school setting.
2. Strong background in social emotional learning, transition planning, and engagement strategies.
3. Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, related service providers, and administrators.
4. Commitment to culturally responsive practices and educational equity.