Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Support Long-Term Substitute

Downingtown Area School District; Downingtown (Chester County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Downingtown Area School District is seeking a certified secondary special education teacher for Life Skills Support at Downingtown Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year. This long-term substitute starts approx.

11/4/2026 and lasts through the school year. The Life Skills Support Teacher delivers specialized instruction, develops IEPs, and collaborates with parents, caregivers, and staff to support student growth in academics, daily living, and behavior.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and hold proper Pennsylvania certification.
• Must meet all background and fingerprint checks.
• Proficiency in use of technology for instruction.
• Ability to flex hours to accommodate students and teachers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to inclusion and safety.

Responsibilities

• Provides instruction and support to special education students in accordance with their IEP.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials to address students' individual needs.
• Works cooperatively with district staff and outside agencies to coordinate student programs.
• Coordinates services for students on caseload and prepares essential documents (IEP, NOREP, evaluations).
• Collects and communicates data and provides ongoing progress monitoring for students on caseload.
• Participates in MDT meetings and attends department meetings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Classroom management

Effective communication

Technology proficiency

Flexibility

Collaboration

Education

Pennsylvania certification ( Secondary Special Education )

Bachelor's degree in Education

Job description

Position: Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Support Long-Term Substitute

Location: Downingtown Middle School

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Downingtown Area School District is excited to announce an opening for a certified secondary special education teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This position will be located at Downingtown Middle School and is a long-term substitute opportunity beginning approx. 11/4/2026 and lasting through the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

• Life Skills Support
• The Life Skills Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support in the areas of academic, functional and adaptive skills to students with moderate to significant cognitive impairments. They create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, focusing on their academic, social, emotional, daily living, and behavioral development. The Life Skills Support Teacher collaborates with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.

At DASD, we are committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion in order to achieve and sustain excellence in education. As a diverse district, we continually seek ways to strengthen our educational environment. We believe that we can best promote excellence by recruiting and retaining a diverse group of staff who bring various backgrounds and perspectives. Our ability to create and maintain a climate of respect is critical to attaining the best teaching and learning environment.

At Downingtown Area School District we value our employees. We seek to hire new staff who:

• Communicate openly to build relationships and trust
• Partner with team members to see the TEAM succeed
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and seek ongoing opportunities for growth
• Embrace and support a safe and inclusive environment
• Eagerly and enthusiastically support student learning
• Strive to be kind and reflective
• Focus on the solution and put people first
• Lead by example!

Job Summary

Primary functions include the classroom instruction of students following district curriculum and procedures.

Qualifications

(Abbreviated - Please review the attached Job Description for more details on this specific opportunity)

• 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
• Candidate must adhere to all local, state, federal, and school code requirements for employment

Duties & Responsibilities

(Abbreviated - Please review the attached Job Description for more details on this specific opportunity)

• 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.

Salary 2026-2027 School Year

Placement upon salary scale is dependent upon education and years of teaching service.

Schedule

7.5 hours per day based upon district-approved calendar

Up to 191 days per year, plus up to 3 days of orientation for professional employees during first year of employment