High School Emotional Support Teacher

Highlands School District; Natrona Heights (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Highlands School District in Natrona Heights, PA seeks a Special Education Teacher - Learning Support to maximize the learning experience for students with special needs by applying district-approved curricula, documenting progress, and addressing individual needs. The role emphasizes collaboration with families to support student growth.

Under principal supervision, duties include assessments, developing IEPs, coordinating PPTs, counseling students and parents, and maintaining detailed records

Qualifications

• PA State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Bachelor's degree in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in Special Education preferred.
• Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations to identify learning issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Participates in PPTs and helps develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Assists students and staff in implementing IEPs and behavior plans.
• Coordinates with outside agencies and state/federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinates with administrators and teachers to identify student needs and share information with families.
• Provides counseling and serves as liaison between home and school to support student growth.
• Keeps accurate records and communicates student information to colleges and employers as required.
• Encourages parental involvement and participates in orientation and training for new staff.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books and supplies and maintains inventory.

Skills

Knowledge of Special Education

Differentiated instruction

Data analysis / data systems

Communication with students/parents

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's in Education

Master's in Special Education

Job description

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - Learning Support

• Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Position Purpose

• Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Essential Functions

• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
• Participates in PPT's and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans (\"IEP\") for students.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's and behavior management plans.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Certification/License

Qualifications Profile

• PA State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in Special Education preferred.

Experience

• Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Highlands is an EOE