Dynamic Special Education Float Teacher – Remote & On‑Site (Spencerport, NY) – Long‑Term Substitute for Exceptional Children Programs
Join a Visionary Educational Community Dedicated to Exceptional Learners
At the heart of every thriving school district is a team of passionate educators who champion inclusive learning environments. Our partner, a leading public school system serving Monroe and Orleans counties in New York, is on a mission to ensure that every student with special needs receives the highest quality instruction, support, and care. We are seeking a highly motivated Special Education Float Teacher who can seamlessly step into classrooms across multiple BOCES sites, delivering impactful instruction and personalized support—whether from a remote hub or directly on the school floor in Spencerport, NY.
Why This Role Stands Out
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, flexibility and expertise are paramount. As a Float Teacher, you will be the backbone of continuity, ensuring that learning never stalls when a teacher or paraprofessional is absent. You will bring your deep knowledge of special education, your compassionate approach to student development, and your ability to adapt quickly to diverse classroom settings.
About Our School District and BOCES
Our district collaborates closely with the Monroe‑Orleans BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services), a network of schools renowned for innovative special‑education programming. The BOCES model emphasizes collaborative problem‑solving, data‑driven instruction, and integrated support services—including occupational therapy, speech‑language pathology, and behavioral health specialists.
Role Overview
The Special Education Float Teacher functions as a long‑term substitute who can serve either as a lead teacher or a paraprofessional, depending on the immediate needs of the classroom. You will be responsible for delivering curriculum-aligned instruction, conducting assessments, and implementing individualized education program (IEP) goals. In addition, you will provide hands‑on support for students’ physical, social, and emotional needs, ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Instructional Delivery: Plan and execute lesson plans that align with New York State Department of Education standards and the specific goals outlined in each student’s IEP.
- Substitution Flexibility: Serve as a substitute teacher in any Exceptional Children program across all Monroe‑Orleans BOCES sites, often covering more than one location in a single day.
- Paraprofessional Support: When acting as a paraprofessional, assist the lead teacher with classroom management, small‑group instruction, and individualized student assistance.
- Behavioral Intervention: Implement evidence‑based behavior management plans and social‑emotional interventions in partnership with mental‑health staff.
- Physical Care: Attend to students’ physical needs, including toileting, feeding, safe lifting, and any required accommodations for mobility or health.
- Team Leadership: Guide program paraprofessionals, volunteers, and student teachers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that promotes professional growth.
- Data Collection & Assessment: Administer formative and summative assessments, record data accurately, and share insights with the Special Education Supervisor to inform instructional decisions.
- Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with teachers, families, and support staff regarding student progress, accommodations, and any emergent concerns.
- Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training sessions, workshops, and conference opportunities to stay current with best practices in special education.
- Compliance & Reporting: Ensure all documentation meets New York State regulations, including timely completion of IEP updates, attendance records, and incident reports.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Adjust quickly to changing schedules, varied classroom dynamics, and the unique needs of each educational setting.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Inclusive Education, or a closely related field. A master’s degree or advanced certification is highly desirable.
- Licensure: Valid New York State Special Education Teaching Credential (or eligibility to obtain within 12 months of hire).
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of direct experience teaching or supporting students with diverse disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical impairments).
- IEP Expertise: Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and monitor individualized education programs in compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Classroom Management: Proven proficiency in employing positive behavior supports, de‑escalation techniques, and restorative practices.
- Technology Proficiency: Comfortable using digital learning platforms (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas), assistive technology tools, and data‑tracking software.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong collaboration and communication abilities, with a track record of building effective relationships with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Physical Capability: Ability to safely lift and move students as required, and to attend to everyday physical care needs.
- Flexibility: Willingness to travel between multiple BOCES locations and adapt to varied schedules, including occasional evenings or early mornings.
Preferred Qualifications & Desirable Attributes
- Advanced certification in autism, behavior analysis, or related specialties.
- Experience with remote teaching technologies and virtual learning environments.
- Training in trauma‑informed practices or mental health first aid.
- Fluency in a second language, enhancing communication with diverse families.
- Record of contributing to school‑wide initiatives, such as inclusion committees or professional learning communities.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and equity in education.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Instructional Design: Ability to differentiate instruction to meet a wide spectrum of learning needs.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Skill in interpreting assessment results to modify teaching strategies.
- Collaboration: Comfort working within interdisciplinary teams, sharing expertise, and integrating services.
- Problem Solving: Creative and pragmatic approaches to overcoming barriers to student learning.
- Empathy & Patience: A genuine passion for supporting students’ emotional and physical well‑being.
- Organizational Ability: Efficient management of multiple responsibilities, documentation, and timelines.
- Professional Ethics: Commitment to confidentiality, equity, and the highest standards of educational practice.
Work Environment & Culture
Our schools foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture where every staff member is valued as an essential contributor to student success. You will work in modern, well‑equipped classrooms that blend traditional resources with cutting‑edge assistive technology. The BOCES community encourages professional camaraderie through regular staff meetings, peer mentorship programs, and shared planning periods. Whether you are in the Spencerport campus or joining from a remote hub, you will feel connected through virtual collaboration tools, shared calendars, and ongoing communication channels.
Career Growth & Professional Development
We believe in investing in our educators. As a Float Teacher, you will have access to:
- Comprehensive onboarding and mentorship from seasoned Special Education leaders.
- Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training.
- Funding for conference attendance (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children, NYSED workshops).
- Opportunities to lead school‑wide initiatives, such as inclusive curriculum development or behavioral support teams.
- A clear pathway toward permanent classroom assignments, instructional coaching roles, or administrative positions.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
We offer a competitive salary package that reflects your experience, credentials, and the critical nature of the role. In addition to the base wage, you will receive:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
- Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, including sick leave, personal days, and holidays.
- Professional development stipend for courses, certifications, or instructional materials.
- Transportation assistance or mileage reimbursement for travel between BOCES sites.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering counseling, wellness resources, and financial planning.
- In‑house wellness initiatives such as yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, and fitness challenges.
Application Process – How to Take the Next Step
Ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of exceptional learners? Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare Your Materials: Update your resume, include a cover letter highlighting your experience with special education, and attach any relevant certifications or licenses.
- Submit Online: Click the “Apply To This Job” button below and complete the required fields on the RecruitFront portal.
- Complete the Application Questionnaire: Answer the brief screening questions honestly; we value attitude, passion, and a willingness to learn as much as technical qualifications.
- Interview Scheduling: If selected, our talent acquisition team will contact you to arrange a virtual interview, followed by a possible on‑site classroom observation.
- Final Offer: Upon successful completion of the interview process, you will receive an official offer outlining salary, start date, and onboarding details.
Don’t Hesitate – Your Expertise Is Needed Now
We understand that no candidate checks every single box, and that’s why we prioritize a growth mindset, compassion, and a collaborative spirit. If you’re eager to contribute to an innovative, student‑centered community and are ready to inspire learners with special needs, we want to hear from you.
Apply Today and Become a Vital Part of Our Exceptional Education Team!
Click the link below to start your application journey. We look forward to welcoming you to a role where every day brings new opportunities to change lives.
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