Special Education Teacher - The Valley Day School

The Valley Day School (VDS) is an Approved Private School (APS), located at a large suburban campus in Lower Bucks County. VDS is licensed to provide services to students referred by public school districts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As a non-profit organization and a resource for families and school districts, we are dedicated to the education and welfare of students (ages 5-21 and in grades K-12+) with histories of acute learning, adjustment, behavioral, and/or emotional needs that are obstacles for achieving success in less restrictive school settings. Valley Day School is a school of choice where, in conjunction with their school district, families and students choose to attend.

VDS is an equal opportunity employer who seeks caring educators with backgrounds and experience which will contribute to the diversity of the school community. The ideal candidate is one who is committed to enhancing the lives of children and is dedicated to putting the needs of our students first.

Special Education Teacher

Position: Teacher

Department: Instructional

Reports to: Education Director

Job Summary: Responsible for the design and implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student assigned to the classroom and for developing and implementing a variety of formal and informal teaching methods to enable students to achieve their IEP goals and objectives. Works collaboratively with the Clinical and Behavioral teams to promote student academic, social, and emotional development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instructional:
  • Responsible for the design and implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) within deadlines for each student assigned to the classroom
  • Responsible for assessing the functioning level of each student and for developing and implementing goals and objectives
  • Responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the program and participating in each student's interdisciplinary IEP team meeting
  • Prepares and implements daily written lesson plans
  • Develops and implements a variety of formal and informal teaching methods and techniques as determined to be appropriate for each student in accordance with the approved IEP and student assessments
  • Uses objective data collection systems and approved progress monitoring systems to help ensure that students are making adequate progress on IEP goals and objectives
  • Devises and obtains instructional materials and assures the proper maintenance of these materials
  • Directs activities of instructional aides and assures implementation of established instructional procedures
  • Communicates with students' guardian/caretaker(s) on a weekly basis (at minimum) to inform them of and support student progress
  • Completes all required paperwork in accordance with Valley Day School policies and procedures, in a timely manner
• Behavioral:
  • In collaboration with the Clinical Team, develops and implements individual student behavioral programs
  • Maintains a positive, safe, healthy, and controlled learning environment; ensures supervision of all assigned students
  • Models positive behavior and interactions; adheres to all Valley Day School policies and procedures

• Training:
  • Attends and participates in team meetings and faculty meetings as requested and/or scheduled
  • Attends and participates in training in Valley Day practices and procedures, as well as ongoing professional development, and applies training to professional duties
  • Participates in training in Safe Crisis Management and applies training to respond to urgent student situations to deescalate behavioral problems
• Other:
  • Serves as a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect under PA state law, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the students
  • Maintains the confidentiality of students and their families/guardians
  • Performs other duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the building and teaching team

Minimum Qualifications/Experience:

• Possession of a current Pennsylvania Professional Certificate in Special Education (Accepted certifications include: Special Education PK-8, Special Education 7-12, Special Education PK-12, or Special Education N-12.)
• Responsible for maintaining this certification and for maintaining and developing professional skills by participating in appropriate training sessions and/ or courses
• Demonstrated ability in written and oral communication

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• Experience in developing and implementing Special Education programs and classroom management for students with developmental disabilities
• Experience in developing and writing Individual Education Programs (IEPs)
• Knowledge of and experience with the Danielson Framework
• Current CPR/First Aid certification
• An appreciation and understanding of instructional technology
• High tolerance for loud, disruptive, and sometimes provocative student behavior
• Ability to maintain a positive and constructive attitude under stressful situations

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands/Requirements:

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs., be agile, physically pursue students on foot, stand for several hours at a time, physically restrain, bend, squat, stretch, and reach
• Must be able to implement and perform Safe Crisis Management techniques to respond to student behaviors

Expected Hours/ Shift Type: This is a 10 month, full time position with a fixed schedule Monday through Friday. Occasional evening, weekend, or on-call hours may be required. The ability to maintain punctual and reliable attendance is critical to this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Classroom teachers are required to direct activities of instructional aides such as Paraeducators and 1:1 Personal Student Assistants.

Salary: Based on years of experience and education.

*All salaries subject to approval by the Valley Day Board of Directors.

All employees of Valley Day School must obtain and submit to the school the appropriate clearances before their first day of employment. These documents include, but are not limited to: PA Criminal Record Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Registration Information, DPW Child Abuse Clearance, Act 168 form for present and past employment history, etc.