Teacher - Elementary - Special Education - Learning Support @ Pickering Valley and Uwchlan Hills Elementary Schools

About the position

The Downingtown Area School District is excited to announce two openings for certified elementary special education teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. The positions are full-time permanent contracts for Learning Support Teachers at Pickering Valley Elementary and Uwchlan Hills Elementary. The Learning Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs, helping them overcome educational barriers and achieve academic success. They work collaboratively with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to design and implement individualized education plans and provide targeted interventions in reading, writing, mathematics, and executive functioning skills.

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.
• Collects and effectively communicates data and provides ongoing progress monitoring for students on their caseload.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and hold a proper Pennsylvania certification for the position.
• Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements.
• Possesses effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and outside organizations.
• Exhibits excellent classroom management skills.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills to provide accurate information to others and to obtain, give, and follow directions.
• Demonstrates 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficiency in use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication.
• Possesses a positive attitude toward the teaching profession, service to the district, and importance and purpose of the education program.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage through IBX - PPO plans only.
• Prescription Coverage through CVS/Caremark.
• Dental Coverage - Delta Dental Active PPO.
• Vision Coverage - Vision Benefits of America (VBA).
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Fitness Program with reimbursement for workouts.
• Nutritional Counseling with free visits to a registered dietitian.
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and work issues.
• Telemedicine benefit for consultations with doctors.
• Retirement benefits through the State Pension System (PSERS).
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible courses.
• Induction Program for new teachers.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Paid Time Off including sick and personal days.