Teacher at Unlocking Potential @ UPMC West Shore

Job Goal

The teacher assigned to the Unlocking Potential program is responsible for delivering specialized instruction with a primary emphasis on developing students' employability skills. In addition to providing direct instruction, the teacher supervises job coaches who support students in a variety of departments throughout the UPMC hospital system. This role includes collaborating with hospital personnel to identify and secure meaningful work-based learning placements, training and supporting UPMC staff mentors, and monitoring student progress to ensure individualized employment and transition goals are being achieved.

Performance Responsibilities

• Data collection;
• Progress monitoring;
• Assessments of student educational levels for progress reports;
• Participation in evaluation/reevaluation meetings in accordance with Federal and State Regulations and Standards;
• Facilitation, leading, or participation in IEP planning meetings to prepare an educational program to meet student needs for specially designed instruction;
• Attendance and participation in other student-related and program-specific meetings as appropriate and as directed;
• Providing a program of individual and appropriate instruction utilizing CAIU Board-approved curricula and positive behavior supports that meet the needs of the students;
• Maintaining a learning environment that is pleasant; reflects student work and current lesson content; and promotes the academic, social, and emotional development of the student;
• Planning for, assigning, and directing the activities of designated educational paraprofessional(s) and/or personal care assistant(s) and evaluating their performance as required by the CAIU;
• Establishing and maintaining instructional, student, and staff schedules;
• Collaborating, as required and as needed, with CAIU; school district; and agency personnel for consultations, class reviews, diagnostic reviews, and case staffing in accordance with FERPA and HIPPA regulations;
• Preparing and maintaining current schedules, lesson plans, and other appropriate information/material that are available for supervisory submission, review, and approval;
• Completing and maintaining all record keeping as required by the program, Federal and State regulations, and the CAIU;
• Performing duties that are building-related, including, but not limited to, lunch and recess supervision, bus loading and unloading, and planning and implementation of special programs;
• Preparation and maintenance of detailed substitute information, including current lesson plans, that is easily accessible;
• Scheduling and arranging, with supervisory direction, and in accordance with CAIU and program procedures, evaluation/reevaluation meetings, IEP Planning meetings, off-site experiences, and fund-raisers based on assignment;
• Preparation of orders for equipment, instructional materials, texts, and other items as directed by CAIU procedures;
• Confer with the Supervisor and/or Educational Consultant(s) on matters pertaining to the general management of the classroom, student progress and behavior, staff difficulties, and other areas as indicated;
• Reporting on student progress as directed by the program;
• Developing and maintaining a course of study for all students who are working to complete State or District graduation requirements;
• Aiding students, as appropriate, in personal care including toileting, feeding, positioning, dressing, and movement within the school environment;
• Knowing and complying with the host facility's protocols/rules for staff and students;
• Working with school district staff in arranging inclusion opportunities for specific students for non-academic and academic instruction;
• To remain abreast of current theory and technique as appropriate to position assignment through independent and supervisor identified professional development opportunities;
• Attending and participating in staff and team meetings as appropriate;
• Complying with Federal and State Regulations and Standards and CAIU policies and procedures;
• Planning for, instructing, and/or supervising students as assigned and directed on Off-Site Experiences;
• Assuming any other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director or his/her designee.