Classroom Teacher / Special Education

Job Description:

General Responsibilities

The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing educational instruction to assigned students in a structured classroom environment designed to promote intellectual, emotional and social growth. He or she will develop teaching plans that are appropriate to the ages and populations served, specifically children and adolescents (ages 5-21 years) with emotional, developmental and/or behavioral needs.

The teacher position requires that staff be aware that students who are served may exhibit aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior. Students served may have had multiple treatment failures prior to this placement. Teachers are expected to implement highly technical clinical and teaching programs that require teachers to be constantly and ready to respond to student's needs. Special Education Teachers are responsible for the development and implementation of all academic programming, as well as clinical programming, of all assigned students.

Starting Salaries:

Level 1 with Bachelors degree: $61,360.00+

Level 1 with Masters: $65, 520.00+

Level 2 Cert or Masters plus BCBA: $71,760.00+

School Information:

The Melmark School is an approved private school, licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and specializing in serving students, ages five to 21, who require an intensive, individualized educational approach with a behavioral focus designed in an educationally appropriate learning environment due to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, which may be secondary to complex behavioral profiles. Our supportive staff-student ratio (1:2 or 1:1, as determined by the IEP team) allows us to focus on each student's personal growth and development, shaping a learning environment that fits each child's specific needs.

The Melmark School is defined by its comprehensive and collaborative clinical service delivery model, incorporating the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis into an individualized learning model. Speech-language, occupational, and physical therapists work side-by-side with classroom teachers, facilitating the extension of these important services. To ensure the highest level of quality and consistency, teachers and ancillary clinical staff receive close supervision and support from middle- and senior- level clinical staff.

Basic Qualifications

Education/Training: Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Human Service Field or Psychology and must be eligible for emergency certification (BA and enrolled in 9 credits per year toward certification).

Certifications/Licensure: Special Education certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

A valid US driver's license and a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years old. Must be capable of attaining approved Melmark driver status. Successful completion of employer provided certification in CPR, First Aid and Crisis Intervention.

Skill(s): Strong teaching skills with emphasis on students who are emotionally, behaviorally, physically and/or developmentally challenged. Experience or interest in the principles and application of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Strong interpersonal skills are required. The ability to train and supervise peers and ABA Counselors while working within the classroom setting. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows Operating System.

Experience: Prefer at least one to two (1-2) years experience with specialized populations.