Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher
About The Position
The Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The role involves planning and implementing standards-aligned, evidence-based instruction tailored to individual student needs and goals; developing and implementing IEPs; collecting and analyzing student data; and collaborating with families, school districts, related service providers, and other educational professionals to support student growth and educational outcomes. The teacher creates a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes student independence, engagement, and participation in school and community settings. Instruction may take place in classroom, community, home, virtual, or other educational environments according to program and student needs. The position requires regular on-site presence and is not eligible for remote work, telecommuting, or off-site work arrangements. It is a full-time, 193-day calendar position, generally Monday through Friday, with hours that may vary based on assignments and program needs. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required. Travel to Bucks IU locations, client sites, school districts, community agencies, conferences, trainings, and meetings is required. The teacher serves as the IEP team leader, ensuring legal mandates are met and IEPs are implemented, and acts as lead communicator to keep service providers, team members, and parents informed about student progress and needs. The role requires a bachelor's degree and Pennsylvania Special Education Certification, or eligibility to obtain the appropriate PDE certification or emergency permit. A master's degree is beneficial. Continued employment depends on maintaining eligibility for required certifications, permits, and/or licenses.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Pennsylvania Special Education Certification required, or eligibility to obtain the appropriate PDE certification or emergency permit for the assignment.
- If working under an emergency permit, demonstrate ongoing progress toward obtaining the required Instructional or Educational Specialist certificate.
- Meet applicable PDE testing, coursework, program enrollment, and annual credit requirements within established timelines.
- Provide documentation of certification progress, permit eligibility, or pending certification/licensure as requested.
- Maintain eligibility for all required PDE certifications, permits, and/or licenses as a condition of continued employment.
- Communicate effectively with parents and a variety of team members through oral, written, and virtual mediums.
- Demonstrate proficiency with in-home and online delivery of education and instructional materials.
- Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States is required.
- Regular attendance and dependable on-site presence.
- Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, including active student supervision and response to safety needs.
- Ability to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally; some assignments may involve student support exceeding 25 pounds with appropriate training and support.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree.
Responsibilities
- Provide specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities in accordance with their IEPs.
- Plan and implement standards-aligned, evidence-based instruction based on individual student needs and goals.
- Develop, write, and implement IEPs using student needs, baseline data, and applicable state and federal requirements.
- Complete evaluations and re-evaluations, including required components and input from team members and families.
- Convene required evaluation and IEP meetings.
- Review procedural safeguards and summarize them for families at least once per year.
- Gather and record progress-monitoring data on IEP goals as specified in each IEP.
- Review progress-monitoring data regularly to evaluate student progress and determine whether instruction should change.
- Follow applicable state and federal special education requirements, including Chapter 14, IDEA, and relevant Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance.
- Lead IEP team members, ensure legal mandates are met, and support implementation of IEPs.
- Communicate student progress and needs to parents, service providers, and other team members.
- Create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes student independence, engagement, and participation.
- Provide instruction in classroom, community, home, virtual, or other educational settings as required by program and student needs.
- Maintain active supervision of students and respond to student, classroom, and safety needs.
- Implement approved crisis intervention techniques and support students' educational, behavioral, communication, mobility, and personal care needs as assigned.
- Travel to Bucks IU locations, client sites, school districts, community agencies, conferences, trainings, and meetings as required.
Benefits
- Employee benefit plan options
- PSERS pension plan
