Special Education Teacher

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16•Lewisburg, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of their students. The teacher will exercise initiative and judgment in providing an individualized educational program (IEP) to each student. The teacher will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team in the overall development of educational programs for students.

Requirements

Minimal requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in education or special education.
A valid Pennsylvania teacher certification in Special Education certification at the appropriate grade level is required if working in the following grade level assignments: Pre-K to Grade 8 = Special Education PK-12 or Special Education PK-8 Grades 7-8 = Special Education PK-12, Special Education PK-8 or Special Education 7-12 Grades 9-12 = Special Education PK-12 or Special Education 7-12
Minimum one (1) year of full time experience working in a highly-structured educational program that provides behavioral, therapeutic and traditional supports is required.
Possess an understanding of state and federal regulations as they pertain to special education.
Possess the ability to direct, control, plan, and use good judgment and communicate effectively to stimulate learning.
Demonstrated organizational, written and oral communications skills are essential.
Highly effective interpersonal skills, teamwork and an ability to function independently required.
Effective operation of personal computers and email is an essential part of this position.
Possess the ability to direct, control, plan, and use good judgment and communicate effectively to stimulate learning.
Possess a functional knowledge of positive behavior management approaches.
Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.
Maintain PDE certification requirements of Act 48 hours for the Professional Education Records Management System (PERMS) specific five (5) year periods.
In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.
Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to lift and reposition students of varying weight is critical.
Considerable bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting must be tolerated.
Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations.
Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
Ability to travel to various work site locations (i.e. school, homes and school buildings) and meetings as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in social services with families or mental health is beneficial.
Participates in workshops/seminars to increase knowledge in special education/autism.
Participates in training sessions on best use of IEP software.
Participates in workshops/seminars to increase computer skills.

Responsibilities

Provides direction and daily management of paraprofessionals assigned to the program.
Collaborates with the IEP team to develop an educational program that will be directed toward the development of academic and social/emotional skills.
Collects and maintains appropriate data and information on students for the purpose of progress monitoring and instructional decision making.
Works with related service staff, parents, and agencies to incorporate the various disciplines into an educational program.
Maintains a healthy and safe classroom environment that facilitates the learning process for students with emotional disturbance.
Utilizes positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior.
Displays competence in dealing with any physical and/or medical emergency which might arise.
Creates well structured objectives/lessons that are meaningful and adaptable to students with emotional disturbance.
Maintain regular home-school communication for the development of consistency and feedback in both the home and school situations.
Adheres to Federal, State, IU, District and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations.
Performs other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.