Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Support Long-Term Substitute

About the role

The Downingtown Area School District is seeking a certified secondary special education teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This position will be located at Lionville Middle School and is a long-term substitute opportunity beginning approximately October 9, 2026, and lasting through the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

Life Skills Support

The Life Skills Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support in the areas of academic, functional and adaptive skills to students with moderate to significant cognitive impairments. They create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, focusing on their academic, social, emotional, daily living, and behavioral development. The Life Skills Support Teacher collaborates with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Duties & 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 district staff to prepare 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.

Coordinates services for students on caseload by being the case manager and preparing all essential documents and other documents, adhering to timelines.

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.

Adheres to district policies and procedures.

Adheres to professional, ethical, and legal standards.