Career Opportunity: Substitute Special Education Teacher

Clean Professional Job Summary

SCO Family of Services is seeking a dedicated Substitute Special Education Teacher for a part-time role in a highly structured, self-contained classroom setting in New York, NY. This position is designed for an educator capable of leading a 6:1:3 ratio classroom (6 students, 1 teacher, 3 teacher assistants) serving students with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, and/or Emotional Disturbances. The role involves high-level case management, including the development of IEPs, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Working within an interdisciplinary team, you will ensure a safe, productive, and therapeutic learning environment tailored to the unique academic and social-emotional needs of each student.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Individualization

IEP Management: Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including writing Present Levels of Educational Performance (PLEPs) and specific, measurable goals.
Lesson Planning: Submit weekly lesson plans that directly coincide with student IEPs, ensuring all academic programming is structured and individualized.
Classroom Ratios: Lead a specialized 6:1:3 environment, providing direct instruction while supervising three teacher assistants.

Behavioral & Clinical Support

Behavioral Intervention: Assist in the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and the implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) for each student.
Positive Reinforcement: Implement PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) in collaboration with the school psychologist to foster a safe and effective learning culture.
Data Tracking: Maintain rigorous data regarding student behavior and academic progress toward achieving specific IEP goals.

Collaboration & Communication

CSE Participation: Actively participate in Annual and Reevaluation meetings with the Committee on Special Education (CSE).
Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Collaborate with clinical staff, support staff, and specialty teachers to provide holistic care.
Family Engagement: Establish a positive rapport with families and guardians, maintaining detailed records of all communications.
Residential Integration: Generate teacher reports for residential Comprehensive Functional Assessment (CFA) meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Certification: Must hold New York State Teacher Certification in Special Education.
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required.
Experience: Minimum of one year of experience working with students with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, and/or Emotional Disturbances.
Clearance: Must obtain clearance from the New York State Justice Center.
Leadership: Ability to supervise and provide formal feedback and evaluations for classroom teaching assistants.

About the Company

SCO Family of Services is one of New York’s largest and most diverse human services organizations. For over 125 years, SCO has provided vital services to children, families, and adults in high-need communities. Their educational programs are rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their developmental or emotional challenges, deserves a fair shot at reaching their full potential. The organization operates a wide network of residential programs, foster care services, and specialized schools, making them a cornerstone of the NYC social service infrastructure.

Market & Industry Context

Special education in New York City is categorized by specific “ratio” models to meet the severity of student needs.

The 6:1:3 ratio is one of the most intensive settings available, typically reserved for students who require significant behavioral support and individualized attention. Working in this environment requires a teacher to be as much a “case manager” and “behavioral specialist” as they are an instructor. There is currently a high demand for substitute teachers in these specialized settings to ensure continuity of care when lead teachers are absent.

Career Growth & Progression Path

Clinical Specialization: Gain hands-on experience in the technical aspects of FBAs and BIPs, which is highly valued for roles in school psychology or behavior analysis.
Administrative Leadership: The experience of supervising three assistants provides a natural transition into Unit Lead or Educational Coordinator positions.
Transition to Full-Time: Substituting at SCO is an excellent “on-ramp” to permanent lead teaching positions within their extensive network of schools.
Professional Development: Access to specialized training in PBIS and trauma-informed care through SCO’s internal professional development tracks.

Interview Preparation Insights

The 6:1:3 Dynamic: Be ready to discuss how you manage a team of three adults (assistants) while simultaneously focusing on high-need students. Delegation skills are key.
Data-Driven Success: Prepare to explain your method for tracking daily progress. How do you ensure that behavioral data is captured accurately during a busy school day?
Crisis Management: In a classroom for students with emotional disturbances, you will likely be asked how you maintain “calm in the storm.” Discuss your experience with de-escalation techniques.
IEP Fluency: Confirm your familiarity with the SESIS (Special Education Student Information System) or similar platforms used for writing PLEPs and goals.

Work Environment & Location Insights

This is a part-time, onsite position in New York City. The classroom environment is highly structured and requires a teacher who is physically active and resilient. You will be surrounded by a robust support system, including school psychologists and specialty teachers, ensuring you are never isolated when handling complex behavioral challenges. The role requires consistent attendance to maintain the “predictable environment” that is crucial for students with Autism and ID.

Short Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

SCO Family of Services is an equal opportunity employer. They are committed to a diverse workforce and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or disability status. All candidates must meet the strict clearance requirements of the New York State Justice Center.

Category	Details & Specifications
Employer	SCO Family of Services
Position Type	Part-Time / Substitute
Location	New York, NY, United States
Classroom Setting	Self-contained Special Education
Student Profile	Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, and/or Emotional Disturbance
Classroom Ratio	6:1:3 (6 Students, 1 Teacher, 3 Teacher Assistants)

Core Responsibilities & Compliance

Focus Area	Actionable Tasks
IEP Management	Developing PLEPs (Present Levels of Educational Performance), tracking data for goals, and generating progress reports.
Behavioral Support	Assisting with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
PBIS Implementation	Implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports with the school Psychologist.
Lesson Planning	Writing and submitting weekly lesson plans tailored to individual IEPs.
Supervision	Providing oversight, supervision, and feedback for all classroom staff (assistants).
Collaboration	Participating in Annual CSE (Committee on Special Education) and Reevaluation meetings.

Qualifications & Requirements

Certification: New York State Teacher Certification in Special Education is required.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of one year working with students with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, or Emotional Disturbance.
Legal/Safety: Must obtain clearance from the New York State Justice Center.
Soft Skills: Ability to establish rapport with families and work within a high-productivity interdisciplinary team.

Environment & Culture

Safety: Responsible for maintaining a healthy classroom environment, including equipment and furniture maintenance.
Community: Engagement with residential CFA (Comprehensive Functional Assessment) meetings and planning developmentally appropriate class trips.
Teamwork: Heavy collaboration with clinical staff, support staff, and specialty area teachers.

Comparative Snapshot: SCO vs. Other Special Ed Roles

Metric	SCO Family of Services	QSAC (Part-Time)	Manhattan Charter
Class Ratio	6:1:3 (High Support)	Home/Community based	1 Teacher + 1 Assistant
Pay Basis	Part-Time / Substitute	$55–$65 / Hour	$60k – $80k (Salary)
NYS Cert.	Required	Required	Preferred
Behavior Focus	PBIS / FBA / BIP	ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)	General Special Ed

To apply for this job please visit sco.org.