Special Education Teacher (Dynamic Learning Pathway)

About the role

The Special Education Teacher in the Dynamic Learning Pathway serves as the lead educator in a self-contained classroom at William Penn High School. This position supports students with significant learning needs who are working toward achievement on the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements (EE) and earning a Diploma of Alternative Achievement Standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on student assessments, present levels, student needs, and progress data, including Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) where applicable.
• Design and deliver specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned with the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements (EE) and IEP goals using district-approved curriculum, evidence-based strategies, assistive technology, and scaffolded supports across Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Vocation - differentiated to each student's level of functioning and preferred learning modalities.
• Integrate functional life skills instruction - including communication, self-advocacy, daily living, and independent decision-making - into academic programming.
• Plan and facilitate vocational exploration, workplace readiness, and community-based learning experiences that allow students to practice skills in authentic settings.
• Administer and interpret formal and informal assessments - including IEP progress monitoring, literacy and math assessments, benchmark assessments - to drive instructional decisions.
• Maintain accurate and timely data records, report student progress to families and the district in accordance with IEP requirements and state timelines.
• Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, transition planning conferences, and other required meetings and/or conferences as a collaborative team member and primary case manager.
• Establish and maintain a structured, predictable classroom environment that supports the behavioral and social-emotional needs of students.
• Implement evidence-based behavioral and social-emotional interventions, apply district expectations for Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
• Direct, model, and provide feedback to paraeducators to ensure consistent implementation of specially designed instruction (SDI), data collection, behavior supports, and IEP accommodations - fostering a cohesive instructional team that prioritizes student dignity, independence, and growth.
• Communicate proactively and regularly with families regarding student progress, IEP implementation, and behavioral support; build and sustain cooperative working relationships with families, community agency partners, school staff, and administration.
• Maintain valid Delaware certification and required clock hours through DEEDS; stay current on evidence-based practices for students with significant disabilities and actively engage in required and self-selected professional learning aligned to role responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the building principal and/or supervisor.

Requirements

• Must be eligible or hold valid State of Delaware certification as a Teacher of Exceptional Children K-12 and a Core Content Area (Middle or Secondary Level).
• Acceptable Criminal Background Report and no entries on Child Protection Registry in the State of Delaware.
• Successful completion of required Praxis II tests and student teaching placement.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Master's degree preferred.
• Knowledge and skills in working with students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies for students with significant learning needs, including AAC, SDI, and structured literacy and math approaches.
• Experience with or knowledge of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
• Experience supervising or directing paraeducators in an instructional setting preferred.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to issues impacting various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Proficient in Technology, such as Microsoft and Google Applications, Classlink, Schoology, Infinite Campus, etc.
• Demonstrates understanding and ability to perform job related tasks.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Must be eligible or hold valid State of Delaware certification as a Teacher of Exceptional Children K-12 and a Core Content Area (Middle or Secondary Level).
• Acceptable Criminal Background Report and no entries on Child Protection Registry in the State of Delaware.
• Successful completion of required Praxis II tests and student teaching placement.
• Knowledge and skills in working with students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies for students with significant learning needs, including AAC, SDI, and structured literacy and math approaches.
• Experience with or knowledge of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
• Experience supervising or directing paraeducators in an instructional setting preferred.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to issues impacting various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Proficient in Technology, such as Microsoft and Google Applications, Classlink, Schoology, Infinite Campus, etc.
• Demonstrates understanding and ability to perform job related tasks.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.

Skills

• Knowledge and skills in working with students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies for students with significant learning needs, including AAC, SDI, and structured literacy and math approaches.
• Experience with or knowledge of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
• Experience supervising or directing paraeducators in an instructional setting preferred.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to issues impacting various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Proficient in Technology, such as Microsoft and Google Applications, Classlink, Schoology, Infinite Campus, etc.

Benefits

Refer to current teacher salary scale on District website

Pay

Refer to current teacher salary scale on District website

Schedule

Work Year: 10 months