Special Education Teacher: Apprentice - Lower Bucks County (2025-2026 School Year)

Come work for the Bucks IU! A great opportunity to be part of a collaborative work environment with excellent employee benefit plan options, PSERS pension plan and a flexible, school calendar work schedule. Positions are available in various locations/school districts throughout Bucks County.

Job Description

Job Summary: In addition to working as a Para-educator in a Bucks IU school age program, a Special Education Teacher Apprentice will receive specialized training in the various work experiences listed below, over a period of 42 months, including the Extended School Year (ESY) schedule for the entirety of the apprenticeship (this time may be adjusted depending on the applicant’s educational history). At the commencement of the training, the Special Education Teacher Apprentice candidate will sit for two praxis exams and complete a semester of student teaching.

• Successfully complete 62 credits equivalent to an associate degree in PK-4 Early Education at the Bucks County Community College
• Successfully complete and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification
• Successfully complete and maintain First Aid/CPR certification
• Successfully complete 60 credits equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in PK-12 Special Education at Gwynedd Mercy University
  
  

Under the supervision of an assigned mentor teacher, the Special Education Teacher Apprentice will provide academic, community and social instruction to support the educational programming and physical needs of special education students assigned to the Intermediate Unit programs. The Special Education Teacher Apprentice will also assist with planning curriculum, preparing lessons and other instructional materials according to meet the needs of the students. All instruction should be aligned with the state standards.

Essential Functions

• Overseeing the safety of students and staff throughout the day
• Adapting and modifying instructional materials as directed by mentor teacher
• Maintaining technology for students and classroom
• Collecting data daily/weekly on all Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and reporting out in accordance with the school districts reporting schedule as directed by mentor teacher
• Developing, writing and implementing IEP’s as directed by mentor teacher
• Utilizing evidence based instructional materials and assessment as directed by mentor teacher
• Creating and delivering instructional lessons to students in collaboration with the mentor teacher
• Follow school-wide positive behavior support plan and individualized behavior plans
  
  

Other Duties: This position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department, as needed, to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

Competencies

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Contributes to profits and revenue; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibility: None

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.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 185-day calendar position. It is also expected this position works the ESY summer program and 8 additional days during the school year. These hours will be submitted via timesheets. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work may vary based on position and division but generally are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand. ESY hours will follow the ESY schedule.

Travel: Some travel may be required for out of school meetings.

Education And Experience

Meet the designation of a Bucks IU “Highly Qualified” Instructional Assistant by showing evidence of at least one of the following:

• Associate or Bachelor Degree
• At least 48 college/university credits
• A high school diploma or equivalency and successfully pass a local assessment. (Bucks IU considers that a Credential of Competency from the Pennsylvania Department of Education meets this requirement for those individuals who do not have at least 48 college/university credits or an Associate or Bachelor degree.)
  
  

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.

Primary Location

US-PA-Levittown

Work Locations

Itinerant Lower County

Job

School Age Programs-Special Education Teacher, Other Positions

Organization

Bucks IU Business Unit

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Apr 2, 2025, 11:03:44 AM