Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Post-Grad (Transition) Program

Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Post-Grad (Transition) Program Position Type: Teacher - Secondary/ Special Education Date Posted: 6/22/2026 Location: Downingtown, PA Date Available: 08/12/2026 Benefits Eligible: Yes Effective Date: Start of the 2026-2027 School Year; Approx. August 12, 2026 Downingtown Area School District is excited to announce an opening for a certified secondary special education teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This position will work in Downingtown East’s Life Skills Post-Grad (Transition) Program and is a full-time, permanent contract. The teacher will support transition-aged students. Life Skills Support Provides specialized instruction and support in academic, functional, and adaptive skills to students with moderate to significant cognitive impairments. Creates and implements individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. Collaborates with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment. At DASD, we are committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion in order to achieve and sustain excellence in education. As a diverse district, we continually seek ways to strengthen our educational environment. We believe that we can best promote excellence by recruiting and retaining a diverse group of staff who bring various backgrounds and perspectives. Our ability to create and maintain a climate of respect is critical to attaining the best teaching and learning environment. We seek to hire new staff who: Communicate openly to build relationships and trust Partner with team members to see the team succeed Demonstrate a growth mindset and seek ongoing opportunities for growth Embrace and support a safe and inclusive environment Eagerly and enthusiastically support student learning Strive to be kind and reflective Focus on the solution and put people first Lead by example Job Summary Primary functions include the classroom instruction of students following district curriculum and procedures. Qualifications Graduate of an accredited college or university and hold a proper Pennsylvania certification for the position. Must be a provider under Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare program; clearance by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government is therefore an essential qualification. Positive attitude toward the teaching profession and service to the district. Proficiency in the use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication. Must be able to flex and vary hours to accommodate the needs of students, parents, and other teachers. Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and outside organizations. Excellent classroom management skills. Effective communication skills to provide accurate information and to obtain, give, and follow directions. Good judgment, planning, and human relations skills; ability to work under periods of stress due to the level of responsibility. Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements. Candidate must adhere to all local, state, federal, and school code requirements for employment. Duties & Responsibilities Provides instruction and support to special education students in accordance with their individualized education program (IEP). Develops lesson plans and instructional materials to address students’ individual needs. Works cooperatively with district staff, including regular education teachers, pupil services staff, and related service staff, and when appropriate, outside agencies to coordinate student’s program and provide appropriate level of support. Coordinates services for students on caseload by being the case manager and preparing all essential documents and other documents, adhering to timelines. Essential documents include but are not limited to permissions for evaluations, evaluation and reevaluation reports, invitations to participate, individualized education programs (IEP), notice of recommended educational placement (NOREP), progress reports and more. Collects and effectively communicates data and provides ongoing progress monitoring for students on their caseload. Collects and documents ESY-Extended School Year data to determine eligibility. Provides this information to the supervisor of special education. Participates actively as part of the multidisciplinary team and facilitates IEP meetings. Provides staff development to professional staff and support staff on particular needs of students on caseload in regards to characteristics of a disability, interventions, strategies, teaching methodologies, and modifications as needed. Prepares functional behavior assessments and positive behavior support plans when necessary. Participates in interagency meetings when necessary. Attends scheduled special education department meetings and professional development. Adheres to district policies and procedures. Adheres to professional, ethical, and legal standards. Salary 2026-2027 School Year Placement upon salary scale is dependent upon education and years of teaching service. Schedule 7.5 hours per day based upon district-approved calendar. Up to 191 days per year, plus up to 3 days of orientation for professional employees during the first year of employment. Summary of Benefits Medical coverage through IBX – personal choice C4-F4-02 (no primary care physician necessary, no referrals required, extensive local and national networks). Prescription coverage through CVS/Caremark; allows use of in-network and out-of-network providers. Vision coverage – Vision Benefits of America (VBA). Eligibility – No waiting period. All employees may enroll in the district’s health benefit plans effective with their date of hire into the benefit eligible position. Eligible dependents: a legally married spouse as defined by PA law and children up to age 26 may enroll in the district’s health benefit plans. New hires or newly eligible: you have 31 days from the date that you are benefit eligible to make your elections. Support for the Whole You Up to 6 free visits per calendar year with a registered dietitian. Employee Assistance Program – free, confidential program that offers EAP+ work/life benefits to help address personal, family, and work issues. Telemedicine benefit through SwiftMD is offered to all DASD employees at no cost; allows consultations with US board-certified doctors over the phone or online. Retirement Member of State Pension System (PSERS). Contribute to your own personal PSERS retirement account and receive benefit payments from one of the largest public retirement plans in the nation. Student Loan Forgiveness All DASD employees are eligible to apply for loan forgiveness through the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Life Benefit, Income Protection Benefit, Tuition Reimbursement Life Benefit: pays 1 x your basic annual salary up to a maximum of $50,000. Income Protection Benefit: pays 60% of your basic monthly pay, up to $2,800 per month. Tuition Reimbursement: 75% of tuition if a grade of B or better is attained; limit 12 credits per year. Induction Program Collaborative coaching with instructional coach. Assigned mentor for additional support. Collaboration meetings with curriculum leader, grade level leader, or supervisor(s). New hire faculty meetings with principal(s). Professional Development 8 staff professional development days per year. Paid Time Off 10 sick days annually. 2 personal days annually; may accumulate up to 5. #J-18808-Ljbffr Downingtown Area School District