Special Education Teacher, Correction Education - SCI Pine Grove

Begin a new chapter in your teaching career! The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at SCI Pine Grove is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Special Education Teacher. Our educators are committed to empowering incarcerated individuals and youths by providing a supportive environment where they can master essential basic skills. By offering educational opportunities that foster personal growth and rehabilitation, you will have the opportunity to make a profound, positive impact every single day. If you are driven by the mission of transforming lives through education, we encourage you to apply today!

In this essential position, you will be responsible for educating incarcerated adults and youth at SCI Pine Grove. Your role will involve creating and modifying special education programs tailored to meet the unique educational and developmental needs of inmates with learning difficulties. This includes designing and implementing various instructional and remedial strategies to enhance the basic learning skills of these individuals through personalized and small group instruction. 

Additionally, you will assess and monitor inmate progress by administering both standardized and custom tests, grading assignments, and observing behavior to maintain a conducive learning environment. You will also ensure the security of classroom materials and complete necessary documentation related to class operations and inmate evaluations. Your work will be conducted under the general supervision of an administrator or principal, with regular reviews to ensure educational goals are met.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. 
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of a valid and active professional special education certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. When no candidates possess the named certification, the candidate must be eligible for an Emergency Permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that is appropriate to the position.
• An employee assigned to a Commonwealth Secondary Diploma facility who was hired based on eligibility for an Emergency Permit must obtain a valid and active special education certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Other Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: 

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. 
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.