Trauma-Informed Special Education Teacher (CLC Program) - Vacancy ID: 231438

Position Overview:

The Northland Pines School District is seeking a collaborative, resilient, and compassionate Special Education Teacher for the Connect Learning Center (CLC) - a trauma-informed alternative education program designed for elementary students who experience fight, flight, or freeze responses due to trauma. Originally established as a special education placement, the CLC has evolved into a proactive, wraparound program supporting a broader range of students with social-emotional and academic needs. Our goal is to provide a structured, predictable, and supportive environment that fosters emotional regulation, academic engagement, and social connection, while preparing students for reintegration into their school communities.

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to support students who have experienced trauma in a proven, successful program that prioritizes healing, connection, and growth. As part of the CLC team, you will play a critical role in transforming students’ educational experiences by providing specialized instruction in a trauma-sensitive, relationship-driven environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping students build resilience, develop self-regulation skills, and re-engage in learning through trauma-responsive instruction, co-regulation strategies, behavior intervention, and collaborative problem-solving. This work aligns with Responsive Classroom practices and Wisconsin’s best practices in special education, ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Trauma-Responsive Instruction & Individualized Learning

• Deliver specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned with IEP goals and Tier III interventions targeting both academic and functional skills.

• Develop and implement Universal Design for Learning strategies that create engaging, accessible learning experiences for diverse students.

• Facilitate IEP development and implementation while ensuring compliance with special education regulations

Social-Emotional Learning & Positive Behavior Development

• Establish predictable routines and embed academic interventions within a trauma-informed framework.Use trauma-sensitive, co-regulation strategies to help students develop emotional awareness, coping skills, and resilience.

• Implement Responsive Classroom practices to foster a positive, structured learning environment that prioritizes relationships, community-building, and student voice.

• Teach self-regulation strategies that empower students to manage their emotions and smoothly reintegrate into traditional school settings, while also fostering positive peer relationships and effective communication through guided social interactions.

Proactive Behavioral Support & Positive Reinforcement

• Promote positive behavior by proactively providing students with positive behavioral supports aligned with their Tier III Plans, IEPs, and/or BIPs

• Respond to dysregulated behavior using restorative practices, logical consequences, and collaborative problem-solving with colleagues, while actively participating in de-escalation strategies and crisis intervention to maintain a safe and supportive environment for students and staff

Collaboration & Wraparound Support

• Participate in a Professional Learning Community with CLC staff, traditional school staff, and Related Service Providers to continue to refine instructional strategies and promote student success

• Partner with families, community agencies, and community service providers to support student success.

Qualifications:

• Valid Wisconsin DPI Special Education License (Cross-Categorical preferred).

• Experience working with students with emotional and behavioral disabilities and/or trauma histories strongly preferred.

• Training or experience in trauma-informed teaching, co-regulation, behavior intervention, and Responsive Classroom strategies is highly valued.

• Strong ability to build relationships with students, work collaboratively with colleagues, and engage families in their child’s education.

• Ability to create structured, engaging, and responsive learning environments that foster student success.

Why Join the CLC Team?

• Be part of close-knit team with a low staff-to-student ratio, dedicated to helping students build confidence, self-regulation, and achieve academic success.

• Work in a highly supportive setting where you can develop meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

• Gain specialized training in trauma-responsive teaching, behavior intervention, and Responsive Classroom strategies.

• Make a lasting difference by supporting a reintegration-focused model that prepares students for success in their home school environments.

If you are passionate about creating an inclusive, trauma-sensitive learning environment and supporting students in overcoming barriers to success, we encourage you to apply!