Special Education Teacher at New Haven Youth – Vista, California

About Company:

New Haven Youth & Family Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth and families through education, mental health, and life skills programs. Our vision is to set the standard of care for youth and families by restoring hope, building resilience, and creating opportunities for every young person to reach their full potential.

About the Role:

The Special Education Teacher plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment tailored to students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. The Teacher designs, develops, documents, and delivers individualized instruction to students within the school setting. In addition to providing effective instruction, the Teacher participates in activities that establish and reinforce acceptable student behavior, academic progress, attitudes, and social skills, with student success as the primary objective. This includes coordinating and providing therapeutic special education services that model New Haven’s core values and program standards.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver effective, individualized instruction using direct teaching, computer-assisted learning, project-based activities, and small group techniques to help students achieve skills and knowledge.
• Create daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with Common Core guidelines.
• Demonstrate, oversee, and apply effective classroom management practices to ensure a safe, productive learning environment. Report special incidents and follow agency policies in compliance with New Haven School procedures and state/district Education Codes.
• Implement, participate in, and support New Haven treatment programs by attending meetings and interacting positively with students and staff.
• Document teaching activities and student progress, including grades, attendance, student portfolios, and anecdotal records, to support lesson planning and track outcomes.
• Case manage IEPs and ITPs for all assigned students, coordinating regularly with professional staff and parents regarding student progress.
• Direct teaching assistants and 1:1 aides to ensure effective program delivery and address individual student needs.
• Collaborate with other teachers and staff as needed to implement curriculum and support the overall educational program.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the educational and therapeutic goals of the school.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Must hold or be eligible for a California Education Specialist Instruction Credential with authorization to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities.
• Master’s degree in Special Education, Education, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Child Development, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Must obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance and DOJ Clearance through Community Care Licensing.
• Must have or be working toward CLAD Certification.
• Prior teaching experience with adolescents in a similar setting is preferred.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and manage behavioral treatment and educational plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team and represent the organization internally and externally.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing, Microsoft Word, Excel, and similar programs.