Special Education Teacher - Propel Braddock Hills Middle School

Propel Schools operate with an extended school year to increase learning time and opportunities for scholars. The school year includes 190 instructional days (10 more than traditional school districts) and 30 professional development days, totaling 220 work days annually.

Pay

Based on relevant prior work experience, the salary range for this role is $50,485–$101,454 (year 4 of salary scale). A relocation allowance is available for new hires moving from 90 miles away or further.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families.
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with a 5% automatic contribution from Propel and matching up to 4%; contributions increase after 5 years.
• Paid Leave: 2 paid Wellness Days annually, 5 sick days, and 10 Personal Days.
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually for eligible coursework.
• Wellness Benefit: $20 monthly reimbursement for wellness activities (e.g., gym memberships) and up to $300 annually for participation in a Wellness Program.

Responsibilities

• Design coherent instruction using prescribed unit, lesson, and co-teaching structures aligned with Pennsylvania Common Core Standards and emerging best practices.
• Develop and continually update learning resources and actively participate in professional development.
• Create an instructional environment characterized by respect, rapport, and a culture of learning.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies (e.g., computer-assisted, cooperative learning, student-centered approaches) to engage students in age-appropriate learning.
• Manage student behavior and classroom procedures to promote a safe learning environment.
• Assess student learning using formal and informal techniques and use data to drive instruction.
• Develop, implement, progress monitor, and coordinate special education supports and services in each student’s IEP.
• Maintain accurate records and report student progress in accordance with federal, state, and school policies.
• Prepare and achieve annual performance expectations as prescribed or approved by administration.
• Communicate with families regularly and respond to family-initiated communication in a timely manner.
• Maximize academic access, expectations, and learning for all students.

Essential Mindsets

• Own It: Instructional experts who hold high expectations for themselves and scholars, working hard and taking responsibility for learning outcomes.
• Walk Through the Door: Professional with scholars, families, and colleagues, showing up on time with a positive mindset.
• Look in the Mirror: Value feedback and work to continuously improve for scholars; accountable, dedicated, and honest.
• Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated: Culturally competent, courteous, engaged, and empathetic in all interactions.
• Do Your Part: Relationship builders who connect with scholars, families, colleagues, and the community, recognizing education as a team effort.

Why Work at Propel - Special Education

Propel Schools provide a full continuum of support and services to scholars identified for Special Education, ensuring they are college and career ready. Key features include:

• Collaborative instruction in the least restrictive environment for all students receiving special education services.
• Specially designed instruction to close opportunity gaps as part of each school’s annual plan.
• Access to high-quality, rigorous, individualized instruction delivered by teams receiving collaborative professional development.
• Practices that embrace diversity and comply with the intent of IDEA 2004.

Professional Development

• Extensive onboarding process called Induction for new teachers, with ongoing annual support during the school year called Immersion.
• 11.5 network-wide Professional Development days annually, in addition to school-specific development.
• Leadership opportunities through Leadership Pathways, allowing staff to gain experience in content, grade level, or other school-based support roles (e.g., Wellness, Technology).

Requirements

• Valid PA certification in Special Education PK-12, 9-12, or N-12, depending on grade level.
• Experience working with the special education school-age population preferred.
• Knowledge of Special Education principles, laws, assessment practices, and methods to maximize the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Strong instructional and classroom management skills.
• High level of personal organization and planning.
• Ability to develop rigorous lesson plans and assessments.
• Deep content area knowledge.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development.
• Ability to utilize data to differentiate instruction.
• Commitment to the Promising Principles of Propel.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness with the ability to reflect and adapt to diverse environments.
• Skilled in the use of Google Suite and willingness to experiment with new technologies.

Physical Demands

• Walk around the classroom at least 75% of the time while engaging with scholars.
• Constantly operate a computer and other technology in the classroom to support instruction.
• Frequently communicate with internal and external stakeholders regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• When age and developmentally appropriate, assist students with daily personal tasks (e.g., tying shoes, assisting with coats, escorting to buses).

Organizational Overview

Propel Schools is the largest network of public charter schools in Allegheny County, consisting of 13 schools and approximately 4,000 scholars. The mission is to provide high-quality schools to underserved communities, offering a rigorous academic environment and small class sizes with individualized attention. Propel Schools is one of the area’s premier education organizations, offering a top starting teacher salary in Allegheny County, a customizable benefits package, and extraordinary career and professional development opportunities.