Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Special Education Teacher

Hope Academy at The Hope Learning Center – Bringing Hope, Building Futures

Now Hiring — ESY Start Date: June 15, 2025

This position begins with our Extended School Year (ESY) program on June 15, with the opportunity to continue as a full-time role for the upcoming school year. ESY is a state-mandated summer program that provides continued special education services to eligible students with IEPs, ensuring they maintain the skills and progress made during the regular school year. Candidates who can commit to the June 15 start date are strongly encouraged to apply.

At Hope Academy, part of The Hope Learning Center, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for students with special needs. As a premier provider of educational and therapeutic services, we celebrate individual success and empower students to reach their fullest potential through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Special Education Teacher to lead a classroom of students with diverse learning needs. This role is ideal for an educator who thrives in a structured yet flexible environment, values collaboration, and is dedicated to meaningful student growth and family partnership.

Why Teachers Choose Hope

Purpose-Driven Work – Make a lasting impact in the lives of students and families

Collaborative Environment – Work alongside therapists, paraprofessionals, and administrators

Professional Growth – Ongoing development, mentorship, and leadership support

Work-Life Balance – School-based schedule with built-in breaks

Comprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, vision, PTO, and a 401k plan

What You’ll Do

Extended School Year (ESY) – Starting June 15

Your first weeks at Hope Academy will be spent in our ESY program, a structured summer session serving students with IEPs who require continued support beyond the regular school year. During ESY you will:

• Deliver individualized instruction aligned to each student’s IEP goals throughout the ESY session

• Complete ESY determinations and ongoing progress monitoring for your caseload

• Maintain student data and provide progress reports to families at the close of ESY

• Collaborate with therapists and paraprofessionals to ensure continuity of services

• Prepare classroom structures and routines that transition smoothly into the regular

• school year

Classroom Leadership & Instruction

• Lead daily classroom instruction using individualized, data-driven teaching strategies

• Provide 1:1 behavioral, emotional, academic, and life-skills support as needed

• Review student histories and IEPs to support smooth classroom intake and individualized lesson planning

• Plan, prepare, and implement individualized lesson plans aligned with student goals

• Utilize special education strategies, AAC, and assistive technology to support communication and learning

• Assign and review homework to reinforce classroom instruction

• Maintain individualized classroom schedules and ensure a safe, structured learning environment

• Supervise and provide guidance to teacher assistants and classroom aides

Student Progress & Data Management

• Set measurable student goals and monitor progress using formal and informal assessments

• Track and report weekly grades for all students on caseload

• Collect and maintain accurate data on IEP goals and targeted skills

• Complete ESY determinations and ongoing progress monitoring

• Administer state assessments, including PASA and PSSA, as required

Documentation & Compliance

• Serve as the first reviewer for all special education documentation

• Write, manage, and revise annual IEPs in collaboration with the IEP team

• Communicate regularly with the IEP team regarding student progress and needs

• Uphold all educational, operational, and facility standards set by Hope Academy and the Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Collaborate with Operations staff to identify and address site or facility needs

Family & Team Collaboration

• Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings

• Maintain consistent, scheduled communication with families

• Write and maintain progress notes, reports, and family communications

• Collaborate with administrators, therapists, families, and external partners to

• improve service delivery

• Participate in team meetings and professional development opportunities

• Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required)

• Certification: Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification (required)

• Availability: Must be available to begin June 15 for ESY

• Experience: Experience working with individuals with developmental delays

• Skills: Strong classroom management, communication, organization, and collaboration skills

Ready to make a difference? Apply today — we’re reviewing applications on a rolling basis and moving quickly to fill this role ahead of our June 15 ESY start.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Hope Center is committed to maintaining fair and equitable employment practices in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. All employment policies, procedures, and practices shall be designed to ensure equal opportunity, prohibit discrimination and retaliation, and promote an inclusive workplace.

Policy Statement

The Hope Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. Employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, consistent with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Protected Characteristics

No person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the basis of:

• Race (including hair type, hair texture, or hair style)

• Color

• Religious creed (including observance, practice and belief)

• Disability (physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health)

• Ancestry or national origin

• Age (40 and over)

• Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation

• Genetic information

• Veteran or military status

• Familial or martial status

• Or any other characteristic protected under applicable law

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:

• Recruitment, hiring, and job advertisements

• Assignments, classifications, and promotions

• Compensation, benefits, and training

• Transfers, discipline, and termination

• Discipline and termination

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship

• Protection for retaliation for good-faith reports or participation in investigations

Enforcement & Reporting

Managers, supervisors, and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy. Any person who believes that have been subject to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should report the matter through established grievance or HR reporting process. The Hope Center shall investigate promptly and take appropriate corrective action. No individual will be retaliated against for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation.