Teacher - Middle - Special Education - Life Skills Support LTS

Position: Teacher - Middle Level - Special Education - Life Skills Support LTS
Location: Downingtown Middle School
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Effective Date: Long-Term Substitute position effective December 11, 2024 - June 6, 2025

Downingtown Area School District is excited to announce an immediate opening for a certified special education teacher for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. There is currently a full-time, long-term substitute position available for a Life Skills Support teacher at Downingtown Middle School.

• 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.

Job Summary: Primary functions include the classroom instruction of students following district curriculum and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and hold a proper Pennsylvania certification for the position
• The employee in this position could be required as part of his or her duties to engage in activities that can be charged to a Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare program. Clearance as provider under such programs by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government is therefore an essential qualification for this 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
• Must be able to flex and vary hours to accommodate needs of students, parents, and other teachers
• 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
• Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements
  • Click here for more information about required clearances
• Candidate must adhere to all local, state, federal, and school code requirements for employment

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
• 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. 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
• Adheres to professional, ethical, and legal standards

Salary 2024-2025 School Year:
Full salary matrix is available in the appendix of the following collective bargaining agreement, which can be accessed by clicking here. Placement upon salary scale is dependent upon education and years of teaching service.
*For 2024-2025 school year, salary will be pro-rated based upon start date in position and actual number of days worked

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