DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN

St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Schuylkill Haven

Position Description

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Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Job Status: Full-time

Reporting Functions: Reports to Principal, Bob Giba

Job Function

The Special Education Teacher provides individualized, evidence-based instruction to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a faith-centered, supportive learning environment. This position develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Learning Programs (ILPs), monitors student progress, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, supervises classroom paraprofessionals, and prepares students with the academic, functional, communication, and life skills necessary for greater independence and successful transition into adulthood.

Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and Student Learning

• Plan and deliver individualized instruction aligned with each student's IEP/ILP goals, Pennsylvania academic standards, and functional learning objectives.

• Differentiate instruction using evidence-based practices to address diverse cognitive, communication, behavioral, sensory, and physical needs. 

• Incorporate assistive technology, visual supports, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and adaptive materials into daily instruction. 

• Create meaningful learning experiences that promote academic, social-emotional, communication, daily living, vocational, and community-based skills.

 

Progress Monitoring and Assessment

• Collect, analyze, and maintain ongoing data to monitor student progress toward IEP goals and objectives. 

• Use formal and informal assessment data to make instructional decisions and adjust interventions as needed. 

• Prepare progress reports in accordance with IEP reporting schedules. 

• Maintain accurate educational records and documentation required for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for school district-supported students. 

 

IEP Development and Compliance

• Develop, implement, and revise Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Learning Programs (ILPs) in collaboration with families and multidisciplinary team members.

• Participate in annual reviews, reevaluations, eligibility meetings, and other required conferences.

• Collaborate with school district representatives to implement IEPs effectively. 

• Ensure all special education services comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act(IDEA), Pennsylvania Chapter 14 regulations, and school policies for school district-supported students.

 

Collaboration with Related Services

• Collaborate regularly with Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Behavior Specialists, PAES Lab Coordinator, Nurses, and other related service providers. 

• Integrate therapy recommendations into classroom instruction and daily routines. 

• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate student supports and ensure consistency across educational and therapeutic settings. 

• Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress and implementation of related service recommendations.

 

Supervision of Paraprofessionals

• Provide daily direction, training, and supervision to classroom paraprofessionals. 

• Delegate instructional and behavioral support responsibilities appropriately. 

• Model effective instructional strategies, behavior management techniques, and data collection procedures. 

• Foster a collaborative classroom environment while ensuring paraprofessionals understand student needs, IEP goals, and classroom expectations. 

• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to support high-quality instructional practices. 

 

Transition Planning

• Incorporate vocational training, independent living skills, self-advocacy, community access, and employment readiness into instructional programming. 

• Assist students in developing functional skills that promote independence and quality of life. 

 

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a structured, positive, and supportive classroom environment. 

• Implement positive behavior support plans and individualized behavior interventions. 

• Promote student independence, self-regulation, communication, and positive social interactions. 

• Maintain a safe learning environment that supports students' physical and emotional well-being.

 

Family and Community Partnerships

• Build positive relationships with families through ongoing communication and collaboration. 

• Conduct parent conferences and provide updates regarding student progress and educational programming. 

• Support families in understanding special education processes and available community resources. 

 

Faith and Mission

• Uphold the mission and values of St. Joseph Center for Special Learning and the Diocese of Allentown. 

• Promote respect for the dignity, abilities, and unique gifts of every student. 

• Participate in school liturgies, prayer services, and other faith-based activities appropriate for students. 

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings, professional learning communities, and continuing education opportunities. 

• Maintain confidentiality of student records and school information. 

• Stay current with evidence-based practices in special education and disability services. 

• Perform supervisory duties and other responsibilities as assigned by administration. 

 

Additional Conditions of Employment

Due to the nature and mission of the Catholic Church, all employees are expected to exhibit respect for the teachings and discipline of the Church regarding matters of faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Educational Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or a related field. 

• Valid Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification. 

• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP/ILP development, progress monitoring, and special education compliance. 

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. 

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 

• Successful completion of all required background clearances, including Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check, FBI Fingerprint Clearance, Mandated Reporter Training, and Protecting God's Children Training. 

Preferred

• Experience working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, multiple disabilities, or complex communication needs.

• Experience supervising paraprofessionals. 

• Knowledge of transition planning and community-based instruction. 

• Experience using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and assistive technology. 

Core Competencies

• Student-centered instructional planning. 

• Data-driven decision making. 

• Progress monitoring and assessment. 

• Leadership and supervision of paraprofessionals. 

• Interdisciplinary collaboration. 

• Family Engagement. 

• Transition planning and life skills instruction. 

• Effective communication. 

• Flexibility and problem-solving.

• Professional integrity and compassion. 

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods throughout the workday. 

• Ability to lift or assist in moving students weighing up to 100 pounds, including transfers between wheelchairs, desks, tables, or other adaptive equipment.

• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, and pulling while assisting students.

• Manual dexterity sufficient to demonstrate instructional activities and operate educational, adaptive, and medical equipment.

• Ability to hear and speak clearly in classroom environments, including those with elevated noise levels. 

• Visual ability to read instructional materials, monitor student activities, and maintain a safe learning environment.

• Possible exposure to viral and communicable diseases. 

Working Conditions

• Special Learning Center environment. Full-Time, 40 hours a week; working hours are 7:30 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of staff so classified.

Please use this link to access the Diocese of Allentown's Teacher Application:

AllentownDiocese/Employment

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, clearances, and teacher application via iSolved Hire or to the following:

Email: [email protected]

EOE M/F/D/V