7th & 8th Grade Special Education Teacher in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship

Purpose

The Special Education Teacher instructs and assists students who have a range of mental, physical, emotional, and learning challenges. The Special Education Teacher collaborates with Classroom Teachers in an inclusion model to ensure student success.

Value Statement:

WE believe in Soaring to Success by building strong Character, Academics, Relationships, and Entrepreneurs for a life of leadership!

Job Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

Instructional Responsibilities

• Strong understanding and implementation of Pennsylvania State Standards
• Strong understanding and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Support student entrepreneurial endeavors as part of PHCSE Microsociety
• Knowledge of content, pedagogy, and child development
• Design coherent instruction and student assessments
• Develop Individual Educational Program (IEP) and R eevaluation Reports without Testing
• Case manager to special education students to meet PA state and IDEA compliance regulations
• Write IEPs
• Coordinate IEP student data analysis and portfolio maintenance
• Engage in Progress Monitoring and complete Progress Reports for each student on your caseload
• Utilize Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) growth and projection data in conjunction with achievement data to ensure that students are on a path to proficiency and beyond
• All other duties as required by supervisor

Classroom Responsibilities

• Classroom management utilizing a schoolwide positive behavior support (PBIS) model
• Create an environment of respect and rapport
• Establish a culture for learning
• Maintain reports and records in compliance with IDEA and Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Engage students in learning, provide direct services as needed to special needs students
• Provide classroom support in both an inclusion and pull-out model

Meetings & Professional Development

• Schedule Individualized Education Plans (IEP) meetings in accordance with federal and state guidelines
• Assemble and organize all documentation at least one week prior to IEP meeting (psychological report, all provider reports/goals, grades, progress reports, parent input)
• Effective parent and community communication to include scheduling and leading parent conferences/IEP meetings
• Data chats with Special Education Coordinator and School Principal to set goals and analyze data
• Participate in Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team to identify academic and behavioral issues, set goals to improve those struggles, and monitor progress
• Commitment to professional growth through participation in professional learning communities and development opportunities
• Participate in shared decision-making through team meetings and involvement in committees, child study, and other task-forces as needed
• Attend mandatory school events at the discretion of the employee’s supervisor
• Attend at least one Board Meeting per school year.
• Active certifications which include Google certification, Act 48 continuing education, and relevant certifications per administration

Career Progression and Compensation Placement

Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship is committed to providing clear pathways for professional growth and advancement. Classroom teachers are placed within one of four career levels based on experience and qualifications:

• Classroom Teacher I – Up to 3 years of teaching experience
• Classroom Teacher II – Minimum 4 years of teaching experience
• Classroom Teacher III – Minimum 7 years of service at PHCSE or 10 years of external teaching experience
• Classroom Teacher IV – Minimum 10 years of service at PHCSE

Advancement through the career ladder recognizes increased experience, institutional knowledge, instructional expertise, leadership, and contributions to student success. Compensation ranges associated with each level are maintained separately and are reviewed periodically by the school.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and or Master’s Degree in Education is required
• Active PA K-8 Special Education certification is required
• Additional PA Certifications are preferred
• Extensive knowledge of the Pennsylvania State Standards and Common Core
• Entrepreneurship experience highly desirable, but not required

Competencies

• Superior interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate and coordinate actions with the Principal, Leadership Team, parents, students, and other staff and, if applicable, third party vendors/contractors
• Consultation and coaching skills
• Critical evaluation skills
• Flexibility and responsiveness
• Ethical practice
• Documentation
• Leadership skills
• Presentation skills
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and ability to handle sensitive information
• Attention to detail
• Ability to perform multiple assignments without immediate supervision
• Time management and ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Able to perform basic arithmetic and use basic numeric concepts to perform job tasks
• Aptitude in using spreadsheet, word processing, email, database, and presentation software
• Commitment to entrepreneurial education and the associated values of resourcefulness, problem-solving, persistence, and innovation

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily sedentary in nature, exerting up to 10 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move throughout the building, sit, and navigate stairs in order to access classrooms and meeting areas throughout the school. Occasionally reaches with hands and arms. Frequent handling and fingering. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to talk and hear. Mental acuity required. Primarily assigned to a classroom environment that is climate and noise controlled with adequate lighting, using standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers. Frequently called upon to monitor recess, lunch, or other activity periods in an outdoor playground or athletic field setting with exposure to outdoor elements.