About this role
POSITION: Pell Special Education Teacher: K-2 BASE (Behavior, Academic & Social Emotional) Program (Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher) LOCATION: Pell Elementary School REPORTS TO: Principal and Director of Special Education SCHOOL YEAR: 2026/2027 GENERAL DUTIES: Under general supervision, BASE Teacher, will be:
• A specialist for students struggling to meet academic, social and behavioral expectations due to difficulties associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder or similar diagnostic profiles.
• The BASEprogram is designed to provide the least restrictive option to students struggling with areas associated with ASD.
• Participates in the referral process in the MTSS team regarding students identified with ASD related challenges.
• Assist with and develop data driven individualized interventions for all students struggling with difficulties associated with ASD.
• The BASE teacher will work with the team to ensure the correct level of support is provided for children entering and exiting more restrictive interventions and services (including ODP students)
• The BASE teacher may provide direct remedial instruction in academic subjects, cognitive processing, and appropriate social skills. This may include a blended learning approach for content delivery of instruction.
• Will assist BASE staff in assisting general education classroom teachers with appropriate curricula and the development of behavior management interventions and programs.
• BASE teacher will be a member in the developing and implementing appropriate behavior plans, providing direct support and instruction to meet the behavior goals.
• The BASE teacher will follow the regulations associated with IDEA, FAPE, and procedural safeguards and IEP development and implementation.
• BASE teacher will provide ongoing support and facilitation to paraeducators on the implementation of IEP goals and Accommodations.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelors' or Master's Degree in Special Education with valid certification from the Rhode Island Department of Education.
• Dual certification in elementary education and/or content area AND special education preferred.
• Experience or professional development hours regarding Autism and evidence base practices in educating students identified with Autism preferably in a public school setting
• Working knowledge and experience in MTSSystems, PBIS or other school based positive intervention systems.
• Any such alternatives to the above qualifications as the committee may deem acceptable and appropriate.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides an educational program for students in BASE as defined in the student's individual educational program (IEP).
• Developing and implementing an IEP and behavior plan for each child complimentary to his/her educational, social and emotional strengths and weaknesses as defined through the multi-factored evaluation and IEP process.
• Comply with service practice, policies and procedures in respect of completing and maintaining individual pupil records and case notes.
• Works collaboratively with the classroom teachers to interpret the strengths and weaknesses of the students from the program that are struggling to meet the behavioral or social/emotional expectations in their mainstream classes without support.
• Liaise carefully with Pell teachers and admin with respect to the re-integration of pupils from the program.
• Assisting in classroom intervention strategies and assisting the student access to the common core curriculum in the least restrictive environment with the least amount of modifications.
• Communicates regularly with parents and professional staff regarding the educational, social, and personal needs of the student.
• Assists in screening, evaluating, and making recommendations regarding tiered intervention as well as the placement of students in the BASE Program.
• Support and work with a full range of teaching and support staff in the area of behavior management
• Collaborate and help manage the entrance criteria and exit criteria for students receiving social/emotional and/or behavioral services associated with autism through the MTSS process.
• Completes necessary data collection and progress monitoring for students in the program as well as students in the intervention status placed in the program.
• Demonstrates effective behavioral strategies for students placed in the autism support program.
• Assumes such other responsibilities as requested by Pell Administration and/or Director of Student Services, especially regarding intervention initiatives.
• Participates in professional growth activities through staff development, in services, workshops and higher education.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Strong communication skills, especially regarding working with all stakeholders and outside agencies.
• Proven experience in writing and implementing measurable social/emotional goals and benchmarks especially associated with students identified with Autism.
• Proven experience in data collection and progress monitoring in social/emotional and behavioral systems especially associated with students identified with Autism.
• Proven experience in behavior intervention systems and developing plans using evidence base practices in social/emotional learning.
• Proven experience in de-escalation techniques and crisis management.
• Proven experience in working with students that are in the “acting out” stages in a school environment. Must understand how to utilize a safe room.
• Proficiency or agreed training in web based special education programs and records management.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Ten-month position; appropriate salary/benefits in accordance with the Teachers' Contract. Evaluation in accordance with the process as established by the Rhode Island Department of Education for certified educators.
Applicants are not to approach members of the Newport School Committee. Individual contact between applicants and School Committee members may constitute grounds for disqualifying an application.
Providing Students Opportunities and Access to the World Through Quality Education AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Newport School Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability or veteran status.