Special Education Teacher AS

North Penn School District is committed to developing a community that values and adapts to diversity, acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating racial and cultural differences. Through culturally proficient staff, equitable structures, and partnerships with families and students, we aim to create an environment of respect where all members are empowered to learn and grow.

About the Role

A Special Education Teacher is responsible for supporting students with disabilities by delivering instruction that enables them to make progress toward their goals as outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Responsibilities

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in designated locations and times.
• Prepares for classes and shows written evidence of preparation upon request.
• Plans differentiated lessons aligned to the PA Core and approved courses of study.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of the Danielson Framework.
• Creates a classroom environment conducive to learning, appropriate to student maturity and interests.
• Implements the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals.
• Develops instructional materials and lessons targeting students' IEP goals and meeting diverse learner needs.
• Improves sensory, perceptual motor skills, language, cognition, and memory skills as indicated in IEPs.
• Modifies the general education curriculum for students based on their needs using various instructional methodologies and technology.
• Develops and prepares IEPs and other special education reports in compliance with timelines.
• Collaborates with IEP team members and staff to address student needs and monitor progress.
• Maintains accurate and complete student records as required by PA special education laws and district policies.
• Monitors proper implementation of IEPs and Supplementary Aids and Services (SDIs) across all school environments.
• Develops Positive Behavior Support Plans for students with behaviors that impede learning.
• Establishes and teaches reasonable classroom behavior rules and procedures.
• Teaches socially acceptable behavior using techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
• Teaches personal development and functional skills, including goal setting, independence, and self-advocacy.
• Monitors special education assistants to ensure they fulfill job responsibilities.
• Facilitates the use of assistive devices, support technology, and assistance with activities of daily living.
• Prepares, administers, and grades tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
• Ensures student goals are monitored throughout the duration of the IEP with effective progress monitoring.
• Provides opportunities for students to be included in the least restrictive environment with non-disabled peers.
• Supports the use of necessary supplementary aids and services to provide meaningful access.
• Takes precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Schedules and holds special education meetings within designated timelines and in compliance with PA laws.
• Consults with parents, administrators, school psychologists, interagency personnel, and related service providers to develop IEPs.
• Attends professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education.
• Appropriate PA certification in Special Education.

Skills

• Ability to direct a classroom.
• Ability to plan lessons.
• Ability to effectively interact with all stakeholders.
• Ability to support a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Schedule

7.5 hours/day, 37.5 hours/week, 191 days/year.

Physical Requirements

This position may involve varying levels of physical exertion, including:

• Sedentary: Sitting most of the time; exerting up to 10 lbs of force occasionally.
• Light work: Sitting most of the time with arm and/or leg control exertion; up to 20 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs frequently.
• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs constantly.
• Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs constantly.
• Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 lbs occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 lbs frequently, and/or in excess of 20 lbs constantly.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of this position.