SPECIAL EDUCATION (LEARNING SUPPORT: GRADES 6-12) TEACHER

$48,579 - $48,579/Yr

Pittsburgh Public Schools - Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Pittsburgh, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The position of Special Education Teacher for Learning Support (Grades 6-12) at Pittsburgh Public Schools is a vital role that directly impacts the educational experience of students with diverse learning needs. This position is supervised by the School Principal and is responsible for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters academic growth, character development, and essential skills for college and career readiness. The teacher will engage in lesson planning that targets specific skills, manage classroom behavior, and actively involve students in their learning process. A key aspect of this role is the incorporation of culturally responsive pedagogy, ensuring that all students feel valued and included in the educational experience. The teacher will work for 10 months of the year, during which they will provide a safe, equitable, and inclusive school environment for all students. Responsibilities include planning and developing culturally responsive lesson plans that facilitate active learning, implementing a rigorous curriculum, utilizing technology to differentiate instruction, and managing student behavior effectively. The teacher will also be responsible for assessing student progress through formal and informal evaluations, adapting teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles, and collaborating with colleagues and parents to enhance student skills and abilities. In addition to classroom responsibilities, the teacher will maintain accurate records of student attendance and progress, supervise students during safety drills, and participate in various meetings and professional development opportunities. The role also involves providing guidance to paraprofessionals and monitoring extracurricular activities, ensuring a holistic approach to student development. Overall, the Special Education Teacher will play a crucial role in supporting the educational and personal growth of students, contributing to the school's mission and goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, equitable, and inclusive school environment for all students.
• Plan, develop, and submit culturally responsive lesson plans that facilitate active learning for students.
• Implement rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum and content to students.
• Utilize technology to support and differentiate instruction.
• Manage student behavior within the classroom and throughout the school by establishing and enforcing guidelines and procedures.
• Develop and administer formal and informal student assessments to evaluate students' progress.
• Ensure students are demonstrating knowledge and skills by utilizing data to progress monitor students and adjust teaching strategies.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying learning styles, needs and interests.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, central office staff, and school administrators to improve instructional practice.
• Encourage involvement from and collaborate with parents, staff, and community stakeholders to enhance student's skills and abilities.
• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests, and assignments.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of student attendance, grades, and progress in a timely and confidential manner.
• Supervise students during fire and safety drills.
• Follow school procedures pertaining to duty assignments such as lunch, hall, recess, and homeroom.
• Actively participate in team, faculty and parent meetings, workshops, in-service professional development, and other responsibilities as they arise.
• Collaborate with and provide direction to paraprofessionals.
• Monitor and attend extra-curricular events and social activities.
• Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with building and central office staff.
• Other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor in support of the school's/department's goals and objectives and the District's mission and Superintendent's Priority Goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education.
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Instructional Certification in required subject area.
• A commitment to accelerating student achievement, eliminating racial disparities, and creating a positive school/district culture.
• Knowledge of child development in the age group of assigned position.
• Knowledge of current educational research and the use of current technology within the classroom to foster innovation.
• Ability to be a culturally responsive educator who knows how to leverage students' unique skills, interests, and learning styles to create a learning experience that unequivocally includes and empowers each and every student.
• Ability to manage the classroom, supervise students and provide a safe, nurturing environment that stimulates academic, moral, and social growth.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing, diagnosing, and evaluating student data.
• Enthusiasm in making a difference in the lives of students.
• Proven ability to empathize with students and prepare them to achieve academic excellence and strength of character so they have the opportunity to succeed in all aspects of life.
• Commitment to encourage parent involvement through school activities and volunteerism which connects school and home.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint (Schoology, ESchools plus preferred).
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact and diplomacy to accomplish objectives.
• Enthusiastic about the fundamental goal of advancing student achievement in an urban public school district.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player, under pressure with multiple competing deadlines, and with culturally, educationally, and racially diverse internal and external customers.
• Value, demonstrate, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.