Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher

Position Summary: 

The Special Education Teacher in the Alternative Education Program provides specialized instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs in grades 7-12. This role requires creating individualized education plans (IEPs), delivering differentiated instruction, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional goals. The teacher works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to address student needs and promote success in a non-traditional learning setting.

Duties and Responsibilities:     

Instruction and Lesson Planning

• Develop and deliver differentiated lessons tailored to meet individual student needs as outlined in their IEPs.
• Incorporate a variety of instructional strategies, including hands-on activities, technology integration, and visual aids, to engage students and promote learning.
• Modify curriculum and instructional materials to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.

IEP Development and Compliance

• Collaborate with parents, school staff, and administrators to develop and implement effective IEPs.
• Conduct assessments to determine students' current levels of performance and progress toward IEP goals.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations related to special education services.

Behavioral Support

• Implement positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) to address challenging behaviors.
• Work with counselors and support specialists to develop and monitor behavior plans.
• Provide strategies for de-escalating conflicts and promoting a positive classroom climate.

Student Progress Monitoring

• Track and document student progress toward academic and behavioral goals using data-driven methods.
• Provide regular updates to parents and caregivers on student performance and progress.
• Adjust instruction and supports as needed to meet changing student needs.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with general education teachers to co-teach or provide consultation for inclusive instruction.
• Partner with school counselors, administrators, and support staff to address holistic student needs.
• Attend team meetings and professional development to enhance knowledge and skills.

Classroom and Program Management

• Maintain a structured, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and achievement among students.
• Assist in the development and implementation of program-wide initiatives to support all students.

Qualifications:

Certification:

• Valid state certification in Special Education (appropriate grade levels for 7-12).

Experience:

• Experience working in alternative education settings or with students with emotional and behavioral challenges preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, positive behavior interventions, and restorative practices is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong instructional and classroom management skills.
• Ability to build rapport with students, families, and colleagues.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology to support instruction and documentation.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel and Outlook, and willingness to experiment and work with new technologies.

Additional Requirements:   

• Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).

• School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions:
The Special Education Teacher operates in a dynamic alternative education setting that emphasizes adaptability and individualized support for students with unique needs. The role may involve managing challenging behaviors and requires patience, flexibility, and a commitment to fostering student growth and success. This position may involve standing, walking, and active engagement throughout the day. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting for extended period of time
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 35 pounds
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
• Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers
• Hearing clearly
• Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Principal

Department: Alternative Education Program/

Position Schedule: Based on assignment (192 days full school year) 

Salary: $200/day ($26.67/hour)

Benefits: AIU Long Term Substitute Benefit Guide

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.

Please send any questions to: recruitment@aiu3.net

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.