Location: Multiple school and classroom locations based on need and Office of Child Development and Early Learning and Department of Education regulations
Reports to: Supervisor, as assigned by the Directors of Educational Programs & Services
Terms: 9 months/187 days
Labor Status: Exempt
Job Classification: Per current PSEA Agreement
Certification: As required by the PA Department of Education in accordance with Certification and Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPG)
Company Overview: The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is one of the 29 intermediate units that provides a vast array of services for member school districts, including student services, training and technical assistance, online learning, and customized programs and services. IU8 includes four counties comprised of 35 school districts (approximately 98 schools) and five Career Technical Centers. Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 serves approximately 47,000 students across four counties within 3500 square miles. Our service area includes four counties: Blair, Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria. We have five different office locations within our service area: Altoona, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Richland, and Somerset. AIU8 has opportunities for everyone and our service area offers a broad range of living environments from rural to more densely populated city areas.
Job Summary: This position provides educational services and assistance in a variety of instructional settings to students ages 3 to 5 with one or more disabilities who require specially designed instruction pursuant to an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This professional is responsible for meeting the duties of teaching as outlined in CSPG No. 61 and/or CSPG No. 69, laws, Board Policy and Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Key Responsibilities:
· Demonstrates a knowledge of student characteristics of age group(s), student characteristics of exceptionality group(s), and pedagogy.
· Demonstrates knowledge of relevant regulations and IU8 policies.
· Attends evaluation report and re-evaluation report meetings and secures information for the meetings or as a result of the meeting.
· Develops and implements IEPs for students, meeting all timelines established by federal and/or state regulations.
· Monitors and assesses the progress of each student to evaluate the student’s progress toward achieving the educational goals and objectives set forth in the student’s IEP and progress toward Early Learning Standards.
· Maintains current records for all students including evaluation reports, re-evaluation reports, and IEPs, in accordance with state and federal regulations.
· Uses developmentally appropriate diagnostic and evaluative methods to determine the effectiveness of the IEP.
· Develops lesson plans and instructional materials.
· Delivers differentiated instruction.
· Develops and maintains positive, proactive classroom management systems.
· Utilizes positive behavior support strategies and techniques when addressing challenging behaviors of students.
· Reviews established procedures with paraeducators assigned to the Early Intervention classroom and/or assigned to students eligible for EI.
· Uses technology, research-based instructional methods, effective strategies/techniques, and learning materials to enhance student progress toward meeting goals and objectives in the IEP and the Early Learning Standards.
· Identifies student needs and cooperates with other staff members in assessing and helping students solve social, emotional, behavioral and academic issues.
· Establishes and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with peers, support staff, parents, IU8 administration, early childhood partners, school partners, and community partners.
· Administers appropriate and required informal and formal assessments based on student needs and state regulations.
· Demonstrates understanding of and abides by federal, state and local school laws and regulations and policies.
· Reviews and abides by the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.
· Reviews and adheres to all IU policies, procedures, guidelines and expectations
· Ensures all documentation related to a student's education is up to date and properly filed in accordance with policies and practices.
· Communicate effectively in verbal or written form in a professional and timely manner.
· Maintains professional competence, expands and applies knowledge in professional area(s)
· Demonstrates regular and timely attendance
· Must have personal vehicle for reliable transportation to all work locations.
· Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with IU8 Board policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.
Requirements:
· Bachelor’s Degree in Education
· Pennsylvania Department of Education Teaching Certification in accordance with Certification Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPG 61 and/or 69)
· Current and acceptable clearances: Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History), Act 114 (PDE FinGerprinting), PDE6004 (Arrest & Conviction), and Act 168 (PA Sexual Misconduct background)
· Upon hire, all new employees must obtain a certificate of medical examination as well as a tuberculosis test as required under Chapter 14 of the Public School Code, 24 P.S. §§14-1416, 14-1418; 22 PA Code §49.12(b) (regarding education); and 28 Pa Code §23.44 (regarding health and safety).
Desired Qualifications:
· Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills
· Knowledge of typical and atypical child development
· Knowledge of special education regulations and procedures
· Knowledge of positive, proactive classroom management systems
· Knowledge of positive behavior support techniques and strategies
· Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality
· Proficient technology skills
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
The work environment is school and classroom settings, with some office, agency, or community settings based on need. The work of an early intervention teacher could require work with learners outside the school building in locations around the school or in the community. Some in-home environments as needed. Regular, daily, travel required.
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Strength and ability to lift and/or assist in lifting pupils of ages ranging from 3 to 6 and any assistive appliances, for example: wheelchair.
· Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
· Ability to move about various work environments
· Ability to position self to manage and retrieve various job materials and supplies
· Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 25 pounds
· Ability to operate a computer for extended periods and other office equipment as needed and work-related
· Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange information with others in a variety of ways for understanding.
· Must be able to interpret, analyze, and problem solve. Must be able to read and understand complex documents relating to federal, state, and local mandates as well as materials relating to teaching and education.
· Ability and willingness to travel as necessary to fulfill job duties and requirements
Benefits:
· Comprehensive health insurance coverage provided with no monthly premiums
· Dental Insurance
· Vision Care Plan
· Health Savings Account (HSAs)
· Tuition Reimbursement
· 403 (b) Plan
· Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
· Pennsylvania Public Schools Employee’s Retirement System (PSERS)
How to Apply: Online at: https://www.applitrack.com/aiu08/onelineapp/
Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is an equal opportunity employer