<p>Job Details</p> <p>Job Location: The Bridge at ACES - Hamden, CT</p> <p>Position Type: Full Time</p> <p>Education Level: 4 Year Degree</p> <p>Salary Range: $53641.00 - $78056.00 Salary</p> <p>Job Shift: Day</p> <p>Job Category: Education</p> <p>Description</p> <p>Location: Brightwell Academy at The Bridge at ACES</p> <p>Schedule: 10-month position with 18 days of Extended School Year (ESY) in July</p> <p>Brightwell Academy serves high school students with autism and related neurodiverse needs. Located at The Bridge at ACES, our mission is to provide a highly structured, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment that emphasizes college and career readiness, social-emotional growth, family engagement, and community integration. We are committed to preparing students for successful transitions to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities:</p> <p>Instructional Excellence</p> <ul> <li>Provide high-quality, individualized and small-group instruction based on students' IEP goals and aligned with Connecticut Core Standards. </li><li>Differentiate instruction using a variety of evidence-based methodologies specific to students on the autism spectrum. </li><li>Integrate assistive technology, visual supports, and structured teaching methods to support engagement and learning. </li></ul> <p>Transition Planning & Career Readiness</p> <ul> <li>Develop and implement transition plans for students age 14+ that include vocational exploration, daily living skills, and self-determination. </li><li>Coordinate and supervise work-based learning experiences both on-campus and in the community. </li><li>Prepare students for employment and post-secondary opportunities through career-readiness instruction. </li></ul> <p>Social-Emotional and Behavioral Support</p> <ul> <li>Foster student growth in emotional regulation, communication, and social interaction. </li><li>Create a trauma-informed classroom culture using restorative justice practices and proactive de-escalation strategies. </li><li>Monitor behavior data and apply Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). </li></ul> <p>IEP Development & Case Management</p> <ul> <li>Serve as the lead case manager for assigned students, coordinating all aspects of the IEP process in collaboration with families and service providers. </li><li>Collect and analyze student performance data to inform instruction and update IEP goals and accommodations. </li><li>Participate in and lead PPTs, ensuring all legal timelines and compliance standards are met. </li></ul> <p>Family and Community Engagement</p> <ul> <li>Maintain consistent and proactive communication with families to foster trust, inclusion, and engagement. </li><li>Organize family engagement events and transition planning meetings that empower caregivers and promote shared decision-making. </li><li>Build partnerships with local agencies and organizations to support community-based instruction and transition services. </li></ul> <p>Leadership and Collaboration</p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including related service providers, general education staff, behavioral technicians, and administrators. </li><li>Model effective instructional practices for colleagues and contribute to a positive, solution-focused school culture. </li><li>Participate actively in school-wide initiatives, professional learning communities (PLCs), and professional development. </li></ul> <p>Classroom Expectations:</p> <ul> <li>Promote independence and self-advocacy through visual schedules, communication supports, and structured routines. </li><li>Ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom climate where students feel valued and understood. </li><li>Set and maintain high academic and behavioral expectations using consistent, developmentally appropriate strategies. </li><li>Implement restorative practices to support student accountability, reflection, and growth. </li></ul> <p>Why Join Us?</p> <p>At Brightwell Academy at The Bridge at ACES, you'll join a team of passionate professionals committed to equity, innovation, and excellence in special education. We offer a supportive environment where students are empowered, families are engaged, and staff are leaders in transforming lives through education.</p> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Connecticut Special Education Certification (065, 165, or equivalent). </li><li>Minimum 3 years' experience teaching high school students with autism or related developmental disabilities preferred. </li><li>Demonstrated expertise in IEP development, transition planning, and case management. </li><li>Skilled in trauma-informed teaching, behavior management, and restorative justice practices. </li><li>Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Training in ABA, or other autism-specific methodologies. </li><li>Experience coordinating vocational training and community-based instruction. </li></ul>