Life Skills Teacher

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Ephrata Area School District

Ephrata Area School District, 803 Oak Boulevard, Ephrata, PA, is seeking a dedicated and student-centered Life Skills Support Teacher to join our Intermediate/Middle School team.

The Life Skills Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with a range of educational, functional, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs. The teacher works collaboratively with families, general and special education staff, related service providers, and other members of the educational team to develop individualized programming that promotes student growth, independence, and meaningful participation in the school community.

The successful candidate will create a structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment while providing instruction aligned with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instruction may include functional academics, communication, social skills, self-care, daily living skills, and other skills necessary to increase student independence and prepare students for future success.
Some common job responsibilities include:

• Plan and provide individualized and small-group instruction based on students' IEP goals, abilities, and identified needs.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with state and federal special education requirements.
• Provide instruction in functional academics, communication, social-emotional development, daily living skills, self-advocacy, and independence, as appropriate to individual student needs.
• Adapt curriculum, instructional materials, assessments, and learning activities to provide students with meaningful access to instruction.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and guide instructional decisions.
• Develop and implement positive behavioral supports and strategies consistent with individual student needs and educational plans.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support student participation and inclusion in the general education setting, as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with parents/guardians, administrators, paraeducators, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Provide direction and support to paraeducators working within the Life Skills Support program to promote consistent implementation of student programming.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary evaluations, transition planning, and other student-centered team meetings.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and complete required special education documentation within established timelines.
• Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes student learning and independence.
• Maintain current knowledge of effective instructional practices, assistive technology, positive behavioral supports, and developments in special education.

Qualifications and Requirements: The specific qualifications and requirements for a learning support teacher may vary depending on the educational institution and jurisdiction. However, some common requirements include:

Education: ABachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Certification: Valid Pennsylvania teaching certification appropriate for the assignment, including the required Special Education certification for the grade levels served.
Experience: Relevant teaching certification or licensure, such as a special education teaching license. Student teaching experience in a supervised education programe at an accredited institution.
Ability to create and implement instructional strategies and accommodations for diverse learners.
Ability to create and implement individualized education plans (IEP)
Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of different learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and developmental delays.
Familiarity with assessment tools and strategies for identifying students' individual needs.
Other: Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and classroom management skills and a commitment to supporting students with diverse and complex learning needs.

Please see the attached position description for more detailed information about the position.

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS:

• Must demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.Must interact positively with administration, students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Must demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior & speech and dress in a neat, clean, and professional manner.
• Must follow all District policies, work procedures and reasonable requests by proper authority.
• Must maintain the integrity of confidential information within the Business Office.
• Follow established protocols as outlined in Student/Faculty/Support Staff handbook

Other Requirements: Applicants must also possess the followingcriminalclearances obtained within the last 12 months:Act 34 - PA Criminal Record; Act 114 - FBI Background Check; Act 151 - PA Child Abuse Clearance. The Ephrata Area School District also requires a pre-employment drug test, physical, and TB test upon offer of employment as directed by PDE and the PA Department of Health.

Status: Contracted Position
Salary Range: Current EAEA Collective Bargaining Agreement

The Ephrata Area School District will not discriminate in employment, education programs, or activities based on race, sex, handicap, or national origin. This policy of non-discrimination extends to all other legally protected classifications in accordance with state and federal laws including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Inquiries should be directed to Diane Gibson, Director of Human Resources, Ephrata Area School District, 803 Oak Boulevard, Ephrata, PA 19522.