Penns Valley Area School District
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Special Education Teacher to begin the 2025-2026 school year K-12 or High School Special Education Certificate
Learning Support
Qualifications:
Can demonstrate an aptitude for doing the work listed below using appropriate technical, conceptual and human relations skills properly and efficiently; Can demonstrate the physical capability to perform assigned tasks; Can relate well and communicate effectively with administrators, instructional and non-instructional personnel, students, parents and members of the community; Can demonstrate successful performance as an educator; can provide appropriate leadership to building employees and students; Can temper strictness with kindness and fairness when dealing with students; Can adapt readily to changing situations; Can interpret and follow district procedures; Can perform assigned tasks with thoroughness, initiative and responsibility; Can acquire additional skills deemed necessary by the Board.
Job Summary:
To assist students in learning subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able and responsible citizens. During the regular school year, working hours are in accordance with the established collective bargaining agreement. Each teacher will have a primary building assignment. Teachers direct Para Educators, as needed.
Major Duties & Responsibilities:
- Adhere to all local, state, and federal laws and policies.
- Assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of curriculum and in the selection of materials and resources to implement instructional program.
- Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals, and in harmony with the goals establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicates these objectives to students.
- Plans curriculum, lessons, and special education programs utilizing specialized and adaptive teaching methods and materials.
- Evaluates academic and social growth of students, prepares and maintains appropriate educational records, IEPs, required forms/reports and provides specific and timely feedback.
- Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provide and with the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
- Monitors the progress of assigned students within and outside special education classroom.
- 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 an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays interest centers and exhibits of student's work.
- Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
- Communicates regularly with parents through newsletters, 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.
- Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for Para Educator(s) and volunteer(s) and, collaborates with the principal/supervisor regarding their job performance.
- Attend and participate in all staff meetings designated by the superintendent, principal, director, or department/curriculum chairperson.
- Participate in committees, activities, and events beyond the classroom that support the total school program and create a better school or district for the students and teachers.
- Identifies needs, makes appropriate referrals and assists in development of strategies for IEP preparation.
- Prepares for assigned classes and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
- 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
- If working in more than one building, perform duties as agreed upon by the superintendent and the immediate supervisor.
- Performs other professional duties as assigned by administrative personnel
Procedures used in the assessment of student achievement and growth shall: provide valid and reliable information to students, parents or guardian about student growth; provide the public with school and district achievement information, including school activities; provide realistic and challenging expectations for every student; promote student involvement in goal setting, planning and self-evaluation; determine the effectiveness of instruction; and, provide the student with information which may be required by other educational institutions or an employer.
Position Specifications
Physical Demands: the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met be 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.
- Walking and standing for prolonged periods of time
- Frequently bend or twist at the neck and back
- Occasionally push or lift up to 50 pounds
Sensory Abilities - Visual acuity to read correspondence, computer screen
- Auditory acuity to be able to use telephone
- Ability to speak clearly and distinctly
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is frequently required in interact with the parents, the public and other staff. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and exhibit food human relation skills including courtesy, tact and patience. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students. Duties and performed indoors and occasionally outdoors.
Evaluation - The employee will be formally evaluated with regard to his/her duties on a regular basis by the immediate supervisor as required be Board Policy and Department of Education regulations.
Temperament - Ability to work as a member of a team
- Ability to respond positively under stressful work situations
- Must be courteous, respectful and efficient
- Must be cooperative, congenial, and service-oriented, and promote these qualities in the school
- Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
Cognitive Ability - Ability to follow written and verbal directions
- Ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision
- Ability to read, write and do complex computations
- Ability to use correct grammar, sentence structure and spelling
- Ability to compose clear, concise sentences and paragraphs
- Ability to organize office setting to efficiently accomplish tasks
- Ability to work independently and make work-related decisions
- Ability to exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks
- Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels
NOTE: All abilities above must be at a professional level.
Terms of Employment
Salary, work schedule and other conditions of employment in accordance with current agreement and applicable policies
The position specifications described here 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.
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
