Special Education Teacher, Emotional Support K-2, 2026-27 School Year

About the Role

The teacher position is responsible for educating and supporting students by ensuring academic learning, strong character development, and college and career readiness. The role involves planning and delivering culturally responsive lessons, managing classroom behavior, and engaging students in their education.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, equitable, and inclusive school environment for all students.
• Plan, develop, and submit culturally responsive lesson plans that facilitate active learning.
• Implement rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum and content.
• Utilize technology to support and differentiate instruction.
• Manage student behavior within the classroom and throughout the school by establishing and enforcing guidelines and procedures.
• Develop and administer formal and informal student assessments to evaluate progress.
• Use data to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying learning styles, needs, and interests.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, central office staff, and school administrators to improve instructional practice.
• Encourage involvement from and collaborate with parents, staff, and community stakeholders to enhance students' skills and abilities.
• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests, and assignments.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of student attendance, grades, and progress in a timely and confidential manner.
• Supervise students during fire and safety drills.
• Follow school procedures pertaining to duty assignments such as lunch, hall, recess, and homeroom.
• Actively participate in team, faculty, and parent meetings, workshops, in-service professional development, and other responsibilities.
• Collaborate with and provide direction to paraprofessionals.
• Monitor and attend extra-curricular events and social activities.
• Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with building and central office staff.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor in support of the school's/department's goals and the District's mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education.
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Instructional Certification in the required subject area.
• Years of experience vary based on the specific need of the school.

Skills

• Commitment to accelerating student achievement, eliminating racial disparities, and creating a positive school/district culture.
• Knowledge of child development in the assigned age group.
• Knowledge of current educational research and classroom technology to foster innovation.
• Ability to be a culturally responsive educator who leverages students' unique skills, interests, and learning styles.
• Ability to manage the classroom, supervise students, and provide a safe, nurturing environment.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing, diagnosing, and evaluating student data.
• Enthusiasm for making a difference in students' lives.
• Proven ability to prepare students for academic excellence and strength of character.
• Commitment to encouraging parent involvement through school activities and volunteerism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint (Schoology, ESchools Plus preferred).
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Enthusiasm for advancing student achievement in an urban public school district.
• Ability to work collaboratively under pressure with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Value, demonstrate, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Required to operate a computer, hand-held learning devices, and other office equipment.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to work at a fast pace.
• Considerable concentration with prolonged mental effort and limited opportunity for breaks.
• Frequent adjustment of daily work plans and work hours to meet school needs.
• Subject to stress caused by a changing environment, diversity in the organization, and tight deadlines.

This position does not have a residency requirement.