Special Education Vocational Teacher

Solterra Academy provides comprehensive special education services for students ages 5 to 22 who require intensive intervention due to severe emotional, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and/or learning challenges. We are committed to creating a structured, therapeutic, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports each student’s growth, independence, and long-term success.

Solterra Academy is seeking a 10-month, Full-Time, Exempt Special Education Vocational Teacher to design and deliver meaningful pre-vocational, vocational, and career-readiness experiences for students. This role focuses on life skills, career exploration, employment readiness, and transition planning, while fostering a safe and supportive learning environment through PBIS and TCI practices.

School Year Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. (In-Person)

Mandatory Summer Session: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (In-Person)

Please note: This position requires a year-round commitment, including both the regular school year and our summer session. We do not offer summer-only employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IEP goals and objectives using SMART criteria
• Track and document student progress toward vocational and transition goals
• Conduct annual and triennial vocational assessments
• Collaborate with students, families, school teams, and external agencies (LEA, BRS, DDS) to develop Individual Transition Plans (ITPs)
• Prepare for and participate in PPTs and team meetings
• Submit progress reports and report cards by established deadlines
• Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated instruction in life skills, career exploration, and employment skills 
• Complete behavioral incident reports and restraint/seclusion documentation in a timely manner
• Supervise vocational support staff, job coaches, and classroom assistants
• Provide feedback and communicate concerns to administration as needed 
• Oversee the collection and entry of academic and behavioral data
• May serve as a mentor or cooperating teacher when requested
• Participate in school events, professional development, and evaluation processes
• Support Solterra Academy’s mission, vision, and programmatic growth
• Supervise community-based vocational placements in collaboration with families and the Community Placement Liaison
• Implement PBIS and TCI strategies with fidelity
• Follow and support student Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Maintain professional boundaries and use therapeutic communication
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and patience in all student interactions

Requirements

• Bachelor's Level: BA Degree in Special Education from an accredited college or university required.
• Master's Level: MA degree in Education from an accredited college or university.
• DSAP Level: BA degree from an accredited college or university with at least 12 credits in special education and current enrollment in SPED certification program.
• All Levels: Minimum of one year of experience in a special education classroom preferred. Some experience with ED population required.
• BA and MA Level Valid CT 165 certification from CT SDE
• CPR certification required (training provided by Solterra Academy).
• Certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention required with the first training course provided after hire date (training provided by Solterra Academy).
• Summer School Participation, hours are 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

BA Level Candidate Starting Salary: $60,000+

MA Level Candidate Starting Salary: $64,000+

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which include drug testing based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.