Teacher - Elementary - Special Education - Emotional Support

Teacher - Elementary - Special Education - Emotional Support

Join to apply for the Teacher - Elementary - Special Education - Emotional Support role at Downingtown Area School District

Position: Teacher - Elementary - Special Education - Emotional Support

Location: East Ward Elementary

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Effective Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about helping ALL students learn in a collaborative environment? If so, we may have the career for you! Downingtown Area School District is excited to announce an opening for all certified elementary special education teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a full-time, permanent contract for an Emotional Support Teacher at East Ward Elementary.

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 (including clearance under medical assistance or other healthcare programs).
• 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.

Benefits Eligible

Benefits are available to employees at the onset of their employment.

Health 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).

Additional Benefits

• Fitness Program.
• Nutritional Counseling.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Telemedicine.
• Retirement - Member of State Pension System (PSERS).
• Student Loan Forgiveness.
• Life Benefit.
• Income Protection Benefit.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

Professional Development & Induction

• 8 staff professional development days per year.
• Induction Program: After-school workshops, collaborative coaching with instructional coach, mentor support, meetings with curriculum or grade level leaders, new hire faculty meetings.

Paid Time Off

• 10 sick days annually.
• 2 personal days annually; may accumulate up to 5.

Retiree Benefits

• Personal Days Payout.
• Sick Days Payout.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Part-time

Job function

• Education and Training
• Education Administration Programs

EOE