Special Education Teacher - Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Position Type

Special Education Teacher/Hearing Impaired Support - Itinerant

Date Posted

10/30/2023

Location:

Blair County

Special Education Teacher - Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Itinerant

Location: Blair County

Reports to: Supervisor, as assigned by the Chief Education Officer

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 in a variety of settings to eligible students who require specially designed instruction pursuant to an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This professional is responsible for meeting the duties of teaching as outlined CSPG 60, 61, or 62, 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 content and PA academic standards.
• 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 in the general curriculum.
• Maintains current records for all students including evaluation reports, re-evaluation reports, and IEPs, in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Uses appropriate diagnostic and evaluative methods to determine the effectiveness of the IEP.
• Assists with or provides appropriate modification to the general education curriculum pursuant to the student's IEP.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials.
• Delivers differentiated instruction.
• Develops and maintains classroom management systems.
• Utilizes positive behavior support strategies and techniques when addressing challenging behaviors of students.
• 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 in the general education curriculum.
• 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, agency staff, and school district personnel.
• 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 IU policies, procedures, 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 Special Education
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Teaching Certification in accordance with Certification Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPG)
• 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 Secual 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 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 a special education teacher could require work with learners outside the school building in locations around the school, in the community, and at alternate educational sites/locations. Regular, daily, travel to multiple locations within the IU required for itinerant positions.

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 21 and any assistive appliances, for example: wheelchair.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and move up to 25 pounds
• Ability to physically restrain students who are presenting as a danger to themselves or others by using physical management and positive behavior support techniques for which training will be provided may be needed.
• 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 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