Solterra Academy·New Britain, Connecticut
Design and deliver pre-vocational and career-readiness experiences for students with severe emotional and cognitive challenges. Develop IEP goals, manage community-based placements, and implement behavioral strategies using PBIS and TCI practices.
Description 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 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.
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.
Must be willing and able to get a Public Service license to drive students to and from work sites as well as field trips in a school van. Develop and implement IEP goals and objectives using SMART criteria Track and document student progress toward vocational and transition goals 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 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 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)
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.
Market context
Connecticut schools continue to need special education vocational teachers who can support students with complex behavioral and academic needs. This role is competitive because employers look for a special education degree, valid CT 165 certification, ED experience, and readiness to complete CPR and TCI training. Before applying, confirm your certification status and align your experience with vocational instruction for emotionally disturbed students; the job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving candidates research time.