Emotional Support Teacher

Glacharter; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 68,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Leadership Academy Charter School is seeking an Emotional Support Teacher to deliver specialized instruction and behavioral support for students with emotional and behavioral needs, in alignment with PDE regulations and IEP requirements. The role reports to the Principal/Director of Special Education and requires a 10-month, salaried schedule with a competitive salary range.

You will work with general education staff, counselors, and families to promote academic growth and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field required.
• Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification (PK-12 or PDE-approved) required.
• Knowledge of IDEA, Chapter 14 regulations, and special education compliance requirements.
• Experience with emotional/behavioral challenges preferred.
• Strong classroom management and de-escalation skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional strategies.
• Provide direct instruction and emotional support services to students with identified emotional support needs.
• Develop, monitor, and implement IEP goals in line with IDEA and PDE regulations.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, counselors, behavior specialists, and families to support student success.
• Monitor progress and maintain accurate student records and documentation.
• Implement positive behavior support plans and classroom management systems.
• Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Utilize trauma-informed and restorative practices to support student engagement and emotional regulation.
• Maintain compliance with state, federal, and school-based special education requirements.
• Support students in developing social skills, coping strategies, and self-advocacy skills.
• Develop and implement behavior support plans.

Skills

Classroom management

De-escalation techniques

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field

Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification (PK-12)

Job description

Emotional Support Teacher

Global Leadership Academy Charter School

A Global Academies School

Preparing Future Leaders of the World

Position Title

Emotional Support Teacher

Reports To

Principal / Director of Special Education

Position Type

Full-Time, 10-Month, Salaried

Salary Range

$68k-$78K based on qualifications and certifications.

Position Summary

The Emotional Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and behavioral support to students with emotional and behavioral needs in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) regulations and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The teacher creates a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment that promotes academic growth, social-emotional development, and positive student outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement standards-aligned lesson plans and individualized instructional strategies
• Provide direct instruction and emotional support services to students with identified emotional support needs
• Develop, monitor, and implement IEP goals in compliance with IDEA and PDE regulations
• Collaborate with general education teachers, counselors, behavior specialists, and families to support student success
• Conduct progress monitoring and maintain accurate student records and documentation
• Implement positive behavior support plans and classroom management systems
• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and multidisciplinary team meetings
• Utilize trauma-informed and restorative practices to support student engagement and emotional regulation
• Maintain compliance with state, federal, and school-based special education requirements
• Support students in developing social skills, coping strategies, and self-advocacy skills
• Develop and Implement behavior support plans

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field (required)
• Valid Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification (PK-12 or equivalent PDE-approved certification)
• Knowledge of IDEA, Chapter 14 regulations, and special education compliance requirements
• Experience working with students with emotional and behavioral challenges preferred
• Strong classroom management and de-escalation skills
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education, Counseling, or related field
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or de-escalation training
• Experience in charter schools or urban education settings
• Knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, and trauma-informed practices

Additional Information

• Anticipated start date: July
• Interview process to begin in April

Why Join Global Leadership Academy?

Global Leadership Academy is committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our educators play a vital role in empowering students and preparing future leaders of the world.