Teacher - Secondary - Reading Special Education Teacher Long-Term Substitute

Downingtown Area School District is seeking a certified secondary Reading Special Education teacher for a long-term substitute position at Downingtown Middle School, beginning approximately November 9, 2026, and lasting through June 7, 2027.

About the Role

At DASD, we are committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion to achieve and sustain excellence in education. We believe a diverse staff strengthens our educational environment and promotes respect, which is critical to attaining the best teaching and learning outcomes. We seek individuals who:

• Communicate openly to build relationships and trust
• Partner with team members to see the team succeed
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and seek ongoing opportunities for growth
• Embrace and support a safe and inclusive environment
• Eagerly and enthusiastically support student learning
• Strive to be kind and reflective
• Focus on solutions and put people first
• Lead by example

The primary function of this role is classroom instruction of students following district curriculum and procedures.

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.
• Coordinates services for students on caseload by being the case manager and preparing all essential documents and other documents, adhering to timelines. Essential documents include but are not limited to permissions for evaluations, evaluation and reevaluation reports, Invitations to Participate, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP), progress reports, and more.
• 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 and 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.
• Participates in Interagency meetings when necessary.
• Attends scheduled Special Education Department meetings and professional development.
• Adheres to district policies and procedures and professional, ethical, and legal standards.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited college or university and hold a proper Pennsylvania certification for the position.
• PA Special Education certification - PK-8 or 7-12 (depending upon assignment) or PK-12 required.
• PA Reading Specialist certification - PK-12 required.
• Clearance as a provider under Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare programs by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.
• Positive attitude toward the teaching profession, service to the district, and the importance and purpose of the education program.
• Proficiency in the use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication.
• Ability 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 work under periods of stress due to the level of position responsibility.
• Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements.
• Adherence to all local, state, federal, and school code requirements for employment.

Pay

Placement on the 2026-2027 salary scale is dependent upon education and years of teaching service. Refer to the DAEA Agreement - 2025-2030, Appendix B for the 2026-2027 Salary Schedule.

Schedule

• 7.5 hours per day based upon the district-approved calendar.
• Up to 191 days per year, plus up to 3 days of orientation for professional employees during the first year of employment.

Benefits

• Health Benefits:
  • Select Health Benefits a la carte - Only pay for what you need.
  • Medical Coverage through IBX - Personal Choice C4-F4-02:
    • No Primary Care Physician necessary.
    • No referrals required.
    • Extensive local and national networks.
  • Prescription Coverage through CVS/Caremark.
  • Dental Coverage - Delta Dental Active PPO (in-network and out-of-network providers).
  • Vision Coverage - Vision Benefits of America (VBA) with no waiting period.
• Eligibility for health benefit plans begins on the date of hire. Legally married spouses and children up to age 26 may enroll.
• New hires have 31 days from the date of eligibility to make benefit elections.
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare Spending Account.
  • Dependent Care Spending Account.
• Support Programs:
  • Fitness Program: Receive $150 back when you complete 120 workouts at an approved fitness facility within 365 days.
  • Nutritional Counseling: Up to 6 free visits per calendar year with a registered dietitian.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential program offering short-term assistance with personal, family, and work issues, plus healthcare navigation support.
  • Telemedicine: Free consultations with US board-certified doctors via SwiftMD.
• Retirement:
  • Member of State Pension System (PSERS).
• Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility through the federal government's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Life and Income Protection:
  • 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.
• Tuition Reimbursement: 75% of tuition if a grade of B or better is attained; limit of 12 credits per year.
• Induction Program for new teachers, including Long-Term Substitutes (LTS):
  • One- or two-year program depending on prior professional experience within PA public schools.
  • After-school workshops.
  • Assigned mentor for additional support.
  • Collaboration meetings with curriculum leader, grade level leader, or supervisor(s).
  • New hire faculty meetings with principal(s).
• Professional Development: 8 staff professional development days per year.
• Paid Time Off:
  • 10 sick days annually.
  • 2 personal days annually; may accumulate up to 5.
• Retiree Benefits:
  • Personal Days Payout.
  • Sick Days Payout.