Posting #PS03825

The Williamsport Area School District is accepting applications for an anticipated vacancy for a Special Education Teacher, for the 2024-2025 school year. The location is at Jackson Primary School, (at the determination of the Superintendent). Salary as per the current contract schedule. PDE Certification in Special Education PK-8 OR PK-12 is required.

The criteria used for determining eligibility when applying for posted vacancies is "seniority date". This date is a reference to the employee’s start date as a permanent employee with the district.

Professional staff who have been in the District fewer than four years, must complete 4 years before applying for internal vacancies.
Any employee who voluntarily transferred in to a position (beginning with the 2018-19 school year) must be in that position for at least 5 years before bidding on vacancies again.

All bids and applications must be submitted online for consideration. Questions can be submitted to jobs@wasd.org. EOE.

Job Description:

BASIC FUNCTION:

You must provide proof of having passed The Special Education Teacher plans and administers instructional and educational assistance programs for eligible special education students on an individual basis and with a classroom operation in compliance with guidelines and regulations determined by the administration, Board of Directors, state and federal agencies. He/She will create an environment that encourages learning, motivates students to develop skills, activities and knowledge needed to establish and continue a firm foundation to perpetuate the appropriate learning experience (to achieve the students' full potential) throughout the educational process in the WASD and beyond. The Special Education Teacher will utilize all resources available to establish a cooperative relationship with parents, staff members and administrators to support each student's opportunity to learn and grow in educational and life experiences.
The position of Special Education Teacher (CP/PHD) is a 188 day position and shall include active participation in the school's operation to support a positive learning environment. This position reports to and is evaluated annually by the Building Principal and/or his/her designee.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The requirements for this position are a minimum of a bachelor's degree and appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification and qualifications prescribed by law, to include NO Child Left Behind (NCLB).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The Special Education Teacher (CB/PHD) will demonstrate proficiency in developing appropriate educational plans, identifying physical, emotional and mentally disabled students, and developing strategies to compensate for and/or adjust to their disability through the use of effective instruction methods, learning activities and specially designed services. He/She will be knowledgeable of special education laws and policies and have the ability to offer explanation of the laws and policies to staff members, parents and community members.

The Special Education Teacher must be able to articulate the school and district goals regarding special education programs throughout the District to staff, students, parents and community members. He/She must possess the knowledge, pedagogical abilities and attitudes necessary to be a successful scholar, decision maker, and agent for curriculum enhancement and change. The Special Education Teacher must be aware of and comfortable using, computer and technological applications as educational tools to include E-mail, Microsoft Word, spreadsheet, IEP and curriculum based software.

AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES ((E) Designates Essential Functions):
1. Establishes support programs to assist teaching prescribed courses and incorporates language skills, writing skills and appropriate critical learning procedures, using the course of study adopted by the Board of Directors. (E)
2. Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter (or assists in this instruction as dictated by certification requirements) as specified in state laws, regulations and District policies.
3. Develops clear and appropriate lesson plans and identifies instructional materials on a basis (minimum). (E)
4. Selects, designs, and organizes objectives, strategies, and materials to support the students' efforts to successfully master the prescribed course work and incorporates research findings in the instructional/educational program. (E)
5. Develops and updates Individual Education Plans (IEP's), Evaluation Reports (ER's) and other appropriate evaluation tools as prescribed by law or as necessary to meet educational objectives, as determined by appropriate sources. (E)
Special Education Teacher (CB/PHD)
6. Provides individualized and single group instruction (as necessary) to adjust the curriculum to the needs of the student. He/She will have the ability to teach at various levels of instruction and determines the appropriate pace for instruction related to students' abilities and explains material and subject content to students and parents. Differentiates instruction for students based upon need and works with students and other teachers in inclusive settings.
7. Establishes and maintains standards of behavior in the classroom and throughout the school to achieve a positive and functional learning atmosphere for students.
8. Evaluates students' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, prepares student progress reports (IEP's, ER's, etc.), and provides accurate and constructive feedback to students and parents (as necessary). (E)
9. Initiates procedures to insure that IEP's, ER's and other required reports/evaluations are completed within prescribed timelines and regulations.
10. Uses data to improve the learning and instruction process. (E)
11. Cooperates with other professional staff members to identify student needs and develop assessments to solve health, attitude and learning problems.
12. Creates an effective learning environment.
13. Participates in the selection of books and other instructional materials.
14. Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day. (E)
15. Administers group standardized tests in accordance with District regulations.
16. Participates in curriculum development programs.
17. Participates in faculty committees, meetings and other faculty sponsored programs supporting the educational program.
18. Maintains professional competence through District sponsored in-service programs and approved professional development activities. (E)
19. Demonstrates regular and timely attendance. (E)
20. Is able to speak and write in a clear, concise manner. (E)
21. Is able to move throughout the building (all floors) and school grounds as necessary. (E)
22. Is able to lift a minimum of fifty (50) lbs. (E)
23. Collaborates and cooperates with other professional staff members and administrators in facilitating the delivery of the entire educational program to students, to include art, ESL, music, physical education, remedial and gifted programs.
24. Follows all Board policies and building procedures and submits required information and reports within identified timelines. (E)
25. Must be qualified under all District policies and procedures. (E)
26. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Building Principal, Superintendent or his/her designee.
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This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, tasks, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, management reserves the right to modify essential functions of the job, or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments)