Certified Special Education Teacher

Job Summary

The Special Education Teacher provides specialized, research-based instruction and comprehensive case management for students with diverse learning, behavioral, emotional, and physical profiles—specifically focusing on Autism, Emotional Disturbances, and Intellectual Disabilities. Operating within an Approved Private School (APS) setting, this role ensures 100% compliance with federal regulations (IDEA) and state regulations (PA Chapter 14). The teacher designs individualized educational programs, manages classroom data collection, fosters a structured, trauma-informed environment, and directly oversees paraeducators to optimize student outcomes.

Core Skill Set

● Regulatory Mastery: Deep understanding of PA Chapter 14 regulations, IDEA mandates, and the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

● Behavioral Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (PBIS), Safe Crisis Management (SCM), and trauma-informed educational practice.

● Data Systems Proficiency: Advanced ability to handle computers, instructional data software, electronic reporting systems, and progress-monitoring databases.

● Differentiated Pedagogy: Mastery of specialized instruction, curriculum modification, and technological integration tailored to low-incidence disabilities and social-emotional learning.

● Leadership & Collaboration: Superior relationship-building, conflict resolution, and supervisory skills necessary to direct classroom paraeducators and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Professional Expectations & Essential Duties

1. IEP Case Management & Compliance

● Case Leadership: Serves as the primary Case Manager, coordinating all multidisciplinary evaluation processes, hosting IEP meetings, and executing documentation within strict state-mandated timelines.

● Measurable Goal Design: Formulates legally defensible, "effective and measurable" academic, behavioral, and social-emotional IEP goals that specify conditions, behaviors, and criteria metrics.

● Progress Monitoring: Manages systematic data metrics (e.g., daily point sheets, behavioral tracking charts) to verify goal progression and communicate updates securely to families and school districts.

2. Instructional Excellence & Curriculum Adaptation

● Individualized Delivery: Plans and executes weekly scripted lesson plans and student-centered pacing charts that reflect diverse learning modalities and real-life utility.

● Curriculum Modifications: Modifies regular general education curricula to align with student accommodations while maintaining access to state standards.

● Inquiry-Based Technology: Integrates assistive technologies, specialized academic software, and simulations to resolve learning blockades and foster engagement.

3. Classroom Leadership & Behavioral Management

● Proactive Environment: Cultivates an equitable, organized, and physically safe classroom culture rooted in predictable routines and high expectations.

● Crisis Intervention: Actively intervenes during escalation events using school-approved de-escalation methods and mandatory physical restraint procedures only as prescribed by IEP safety guidelines.

● Paraeducator Direction: Establishes clear daily expectations, schedules, and accountability loops for classroom paraeducators to maximize therapeutic and academic reinforcement.

Required Certifications & Degrees

Education

● Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from an accredited college or university.

● Preferred: Master’s degree in Special Education or a related clinical field.

Certifications

● Standard Certification: Valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II Special Education Certificate (PK-12 or N-12 configuration preferred).

● Alternative Pathway: Eligibility for a PA Emergency Permit is considered only if the candidate maintains active enrollment in an accredited program and completes certification requirements within designated Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) timelines.

● Mandatory Clearances: Compliance with PA School Code background verifications (PA State Police Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal FBI Fingerprint Verification).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

● Mobility: Agility to stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain (playgrounds), and move rapidly in all directions (forward, backward, laterally) to ensure crisis containment and safety.

● Strength Capacity: Physical stamina to lift, transfer, or position students weighing between 25–50 lbs. independently, and up to 150 lbs. or more with the assistance of mechanical lifts or properly trained secondary personnel.

● Sensory Acuity: Adequate visual and auditory capability to continuously supervise students, detect behavioral deviations, and process rapid documentation.

Pay: Up to $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person