Special Education Teacher - Day School Pittsburgh

Position Summary

The Special Education Teacher (SET) is responsible for collaborating within the classroom team in the development, implementation, and monitoring of effective, individualized academic and behavioral programming for students. Addresses the unique educational, communication, and social/emotional needs of the student and provides support/guidance to the team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Quality Educational Programming Develops, implements, and reviews Student Support Plans (SSP) in collaboration with the classroom team. Develops and implements a classroom/behavioral management system in collaboration with the classroom team. Establishes and maintains rapport with supervisors, family members, students, and colleagues inside and outside of the organization. Instructs students in all content areas as well as areas specified in IEP through individual, group, and experiential interactions. Practices attentively and active listening. Understands and uses body language effectively. Solves problems effectively; makes decisions based on facts, experience, and good judgement; comes up with alternative approaches to meet needs. Utilizes support teams for student interventions. Develops and completes lesson plans, grades, and progress monitoring weekly and report cards quarterly. Manages switching from one system to another within the classroom setting. Prepares students to transition from school into work and/or community environments. Demonstrates a proficient level of cultural sensitivity. Build positive and productive relationships with a diverse population. Adheres to Pressley Ridge values and Re-ED principles and acts in line with those values. Demonstrates empathy and active listening skills. Develops, implements, and reviews Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for each student. Completes designated assessment forms, as required. Develops and implements daily group and individualized lesson plans for each student utilizing provided curriculum and supplemental materials. Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with kids and families. Participates in all regularly scheduled in-service programs. Presents in a professional demeanor, appearance, and positive attitude; adheres to rules for confidentiality; uses constructive criticism effectively; maintains appropriate boundaries; and adheres to policies and procedures. Use time efficiently and plans well; concentrates effort of important priorities while attending to a broad range of unrelated activities.
• Communication Writes and speaks clearly in a professional manner on a level appropriate for the intended recipient. Communicate with parents and home districts regarding student progress, meetings, and visits in various communication mediums.
• Documentation Utilizes technology resources such as smart phones, computers, web-based systems, Electronic Health Record (EHR), school information systems, and IEP Writer. Tracks, graphs, and reports data for students.
• Supervision Receive supervision. Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
• Leadership Works independently without close supervision and is self-motivated.
• Finance/ Budget Follows financial constraint of the classroom/school budget.
• Professional Development Serves periodically on program committees, with the approval of the Program Director. Attends periodically local, state, or national conferences and workshops, with the approval of the Program Director. Provides in-service training to Pressley Ridge programs, with the approval of the Program Director. Obtains and maintains professional certification as required by Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
• Risk Management and Safety Detects and remediate, with approval of Coordinator, if necessary, any potentially dangerous environmental conditions. Implements school wide policies, procedures, and interventions. Understands the threat assessment process. Follows designated program policy regarding the documentation of critical incidents. Follows program-designated procedures for all physical contact with students. Follows program-designated procedures for student illness and injury, including arranging necessary medical care and informing appropriate persons of the situation, and documenting the injury/illness and actions taken. Assist other staff, as needed, in interventions (TCI, Ukeru) to protect students and staff from injury. Transports students when needed and maintain safe driving procedures.

Qualifications

• Education/Certifications/Licensure: Requires PA State Teacher Certification in Special Education. Requires a bachelor's degree in special education. Requires valid state driver's license, safe driving record, and current auto insurance.
• Clearances Required by Applicable Regulations: State Police FBI Child Abuse Clearances Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training certificate and/or statement

Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: This position requires operating a keypad device 25% of the day and electronic/office equipment 50% of the day. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. For positions in the School for the Deaf, hearing and speech are not required but ASL proficiency is (see qualifications above). Walking is required 75% of the day. Standing occurs 75% of the day. Sitting happens 25% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts 15 pounds, 4 times per day. The maximum lift is 10 pounds, 4 times per day. The position requires the ability to implement physical interventions and meet the physical demands of TCI. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Mental Demands: Continually handles diversity of problems. Frequently performs multiple tasks, make quick decisions, concentrate, and handle distractions that interfere.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental demands require this position in schools and community.
• Working Hours: Hours dependent on school schedule. Flexibility to meet student needs. PRSD is on a 12-month schedule. PRSA and Day Schools are on a 10-month/ school year schedule.