Special Education Classroom Teacher

The Duquesne City School District is accepting applications for an experienced, certified Special Education Classroom Teacher for our 4 - 6th grade Emotional Support students. We are a small, community dedicated school district located in the Mon Valley; our campus offers free, off-street parking and easy access to Kennywood, waterfront shopping, and Pittsburgh. Visit our website at www.dukecitysd.org/about-us/careers to view the position's full job description, applicable union agreement(s), and more!Job Description SummaryThe Duquesne Education Center provides educational opportunities to learners in grades K – 8. A Classroom Teacher – Special Education (Teacher), acts as a keystone in facilitating and providing equal and high-quality educational opportunities to the community in which we serve. The Teacher works with guiding students in educational activities designed to promote intellectual, social and physical growth; teaches the essential skills that will contribute to students’ development as educated and responsible adults; and creates lesson plans, administers praise and constructive criticism, instructs students on subjects such as science, literature, and math, and creates a well-rounded, comprehensive instructional program.Special Education Teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, and / or physical disabilities. In this position, the Teacher will develop and provide specialized instruction to meet individual student needs and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. The Teacher will evaluate and assess student progress against instructional objectives as well as following State and District mandated due process procedures and functions as IEP Manager to assigned students.Qualifications SummaryCurrent PA teaching certificate. Additional and / or specific certifications may be required.Current PA Special Education certification required, N-12 preferred.Bachelor’s Degree required, higher degree preferred.Current Act 33 / 34, Act 114, Act 151 clearances required.First Aid / AED / CPR certification required.Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of special education and specialty area.Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities.Able to effectively analyze needs and problems objectively.Knowledge and skills in working with children who qualify for specialized educational programs.Demonstrated experience in teaching and working directly with students.Demonstrated experience in collaborating and communicating with internal and external groups (school administration and staff, community organizations, and parents.)Able to communicate, comprehend and perform complex computations.Experience collaborating with teachers, students, parents, families, community agencies and their representatives. Able to work effectively as a member of a team.Able to effectively present information, interpret data and articulately respond to questions from administrators, staff, -parents, students, business and educational partners, and the general public.Excellent written, oral, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.Able to accept and provide constructive criticism.Able to work independently and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.Proficient with Apple, Windows, and Google based technologies and the willingness to experiment with new devices and instruments essential to the position.Essential Duties and Responsibilities SummaryProvide research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP.Assess student progress and determine the need for additional reinforcement(s) or adjustment(s) to instructional techniques.Employ various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet established goals.Develop and implement annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include, but not limited to: o Present levels of educational performance. o Special education needs. o Instructional goals and objectives, and o The special education and related services required to meet those goals.Coordinate the delivery of special education services in each student’s IEP.Conduct special education evaluations and reevaluations.Provide direction, supervision and evaluation of educational assistants as directed.Schedule team meetings and work collaboratively with SAP team members, regular education and specialized instructional teachers, etc. in developing instructional goals and strategies.Provide consultation to regular and specialized instructional teachers regarding classroom adaptations, instructional modifications, adaptive equipment, behavior modification plans and other similar instructional interventions to meet the needs of students with disabilities.Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities based on District approved curricula.Create positive educational climates to facilitate student learning.ReportingReports directly to the Building Principal and / or Director of Special EducationTerms of EmploymentSalary, work schedule, evaluation and other conditions of employment are in accordance with the current Duquesne Education Association (DEA) Collective Bargaining Unit. Teacher Salaries start at: $58,000; salary depends on education level and years of experience as a contracted teacher.Physical DemandsThis position requires frequent standing and / or sitting, and the ability to maneuver around a multi-level facility. Employee will be required to operate various computer / technical systems for data entry and to demonstrate technological aspects of this position as described above. This position requires moderate physical effort and is subject to Occupational Health and Safety risks. Other physical demands of this position include:Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 30 pounds.Kneeling, crouching, bending, and reaching to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies.Manual hand / finger dexterity.Speak clearly and distinctly when communicating.Hear clearly.Adequate vision to perform duties.Work EnvironmentEmployees of the Duquesne City School District engage in the important and fulfilling enterprise of educating students in the city of Duquesne. Employees must believe in, value and be committed to the educability of all; must promote the school district vision of high standards of learning and academic rigor, continuous school improvement, and the inclusion of all members of the school community; must be willing to work in high stress environment while maintaining the energy necessary to meet the responsibilities and expectations of the position. A sample of specific elements associated with the work environment of this position includes:Moderate to frequent traversing through a multi-level facility.Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.Frequently required to work at a fast pace.Comfort with ambiguity.Requires considerable concentration and creativity.Able to adjust daily work plans and work hours to be highly responsive to school needs.Subject to stress caused by a changing environment, diversity in the organization, tight deadlines and work load, but must be able to maintain work / life balance amidst intense work demands.EOE