Teacher - Elementary - Special Education - Life Skills Support

About the role

The Downingtown Area School District is seeking a certified Elementary Special Education - Life Skills Support teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This position will be located at West Bradford Elementary and is a permanent, full-time contracted position.

Responsibilities

• Provides instruction and support to special education students in accordance with their individualized education program (IEP).
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials to address students' individual needs.
• Works cooperatively with district staff, including regular education teachers, pupil services staff, and related service staff, and when appropriate, outside agencies to coordinate student's program and provide appropriate level of support.
• Collaborates with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.
• Coordinates services for students on caseload by being the case manager and preparing all essential documents and other documents, adhering to timelines.
• Collects and effectively communicates data and provides ongoing progress monitoring for students on their caseload.
• Collects and documents ESY-Extended School Year data to determine eligibility. Provides this information to the Supervisor of Special Education.
• Participates actively as part of the Multidisciplinary team and facilitates IEP meetings.
• Provides staff development to professional staff and support staff on particular needs of students on caseload in regards to characteristics of a disability, interventions, strategies, teaching methodologies, and modifications as needed.
• Prepares Functional Behavior Assessments and Positive Behavior Support Plans when necessary.
• Attends scheduled Special Education Department meetings and professional development.

Requirements

• Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and hold a proper Pennsylvania certification for the position.
• Possesses a positive attitude toward the teaching profession, service to the district, and importance and purpose of the education program.
• Proficiency in use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication.
• Able to flex and vary hours to accommodate needs of students, parents, and other teachers.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and outside organizations.
• Excellent classroom management skills.
• Effective communication skills to provide accurate information to others and to obtain, give, and follow directions.
• Ability to provide good judgment, planning, and human relations skills, as well as be required to work under periods of stress due to the level of the position responsibility.

Qualifications

• Clearance as provider under Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare programs by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government is an essential qualification for this position.
• Proficient in use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication.
• Able to flex and vary hours to accommodate needs of students, parents, and other teachers.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and outside organizations.
• Excellent classroom management skills.
• Effective communication skills to provide accurate information to others and to obtain, give, and follow directions.
• Ability to provide good judgment, planning, and human relations skills, as well as be required to work under periods of stress due to the level of the position responsibility.
• Successfully completed and maintains compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of special education laws and regulations.
• Experience with individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Proficiency in using technology for instruction and documentation.

Benefits

• Up to 191 days per year, plus up to 3 days of orientation for professional employees during first year of employment.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plan through the State Pension System (PSERS).
• Student loan forgiveness through the federal government's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible dependents.
• Life benefit pays 1 x your basic annual salary up to a maximum of $50,000.
• Income protection benefit pays 60% of your basic monthly pay, up to $2,800 per month.

Pay

Salary 2026-2027 School Year Placement upon salary scale is dependent upon education and years of teaching service. Please click on the link to the DAEA Agreement - 2025-2030 and refer to Appendix B for the 2026-2027 Salary Schedule.

Schedule

7.5 hours per day based upon district-approved calendar.