Short Term Substitute Special Education Teacher

Upper-Merion-Area-School-District; King of Prussia (PA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Upper Merion Area School District is seeking a Short-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher for Middle School with assignment from 11/2/2026 to 12/23/2026. The role requires PA Special Education certification and collaboration with the district's team.

The per diem rate is $170.00/Day, and the district emphasizes effective communication, rigorous instruction, and supporting students with diverse needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and PA certification in Special Education N-12 or 5-8 required.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving skills; ability to use technology.
• Ability to work as part of a team and handle interruptions.
• Must cope with student needs and emotional stress; warm, friendly personality.
• Ability to read, write, and do simple computation.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment with student interaction.
• Original certificates of clearance from the State Police, Child Abuse Registry, and PDE-FBI.

Responsibilities

• Guides learning toward curriculum goals and communicates objectives to students.
• Develops lesson plans and provides individualized instruction.
• Assists students in assessing abilities and setting educational goals.
• Evaluates progress, keeps records, and prepares progress reports.
• Fosters active student participation and uses varied instructional techniques.
• Creates a conducive classroom environment and displays student work.
• Identifies needs and assists in IEP preparation.
• Manages assigned classes and communicates with parents.
• Participates in professional development and growth activities.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organization skills

Problem-solving

Team player

Reading/Writing/Math

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education + PA certification N-12 or 5-8

Job description

A Vacancy exists for a Short-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher for Upper Merion Area School District Middle School. (Assignment start 11/2/2026- 12/23/2026).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required and valid PA certification required in Special Education N-12 or 5- 8; preferred English & Math
• Excellent communication skills, organization skills, problem-solving skills, and ability to use technology to work effectively.
• Ability to work as a member of a team, be courteous, and able to deal effectively with people, able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to cope with the needs and behavior patterns of students, able to withstand emotional stress, and must have a warm, friendly, helpful personality.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions, ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision, ability to read, write, and do simple computation.
• Ability to work independently and make work-related decisions and exercise good judgment with student interaction.
• Original certificates of clearance from the State Police, Child Abuse Registry, and PDE-FBI.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicates these objectives to students.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs, interests, and abilities of each student.
• Assists the student in making a realistic assessment of his/her abilities and in establishing educational goals in keeping with these abilities.
• Evaluates academic progress of students, keeps appropriate records, provides specific and timely feedback, and prepares progress reports.
• Fosters an environment which encourages active student participation in the learning process.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity level and interest of the students.
• Creates an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of students' work.
• Identifies needs, makes appropriate referrals, and assists in development of strategies for IEP preparation.
• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in a fair and just manner.
• Communicates regularly with parents by means of notes, phone calls, conferences, etc.
• Assumes responsibility for his/her professional growth and actively participates in professional development activities designed to upgrade knowledge of subject matter and instructional strategies.
• Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Per Diem Rate: $170.00/Day

Equal Employment Opportunity
MINORITY APPLICANTS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Upper Merion Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate based on race, color, religious affiliation, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or non-relevant handicaps and disabilities in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. The district's commitment to non-discrimination extends to students, employees, prospective employees and the community. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, or for information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, contact Caitlin Navarro, Director of Human Resources, Upper Merion Area School District, 435 Crossfield Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Substitute