Date of Posting: September 29, 2026

                                                         

 

Position Title: Special Education Teacher, Learning Support, Grades 6-8

Location: Paxon Hollow Middle School

Reports To: Principal and/or Director of Special Education

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, Marple Newtown Education Association (MNEA)

Certification Required: Valid Pennsylvania Special Education teaching certificate

 

Position Summary

The Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements, federal law, and district policies. The teacher develops, implements, and monitors Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); collaborates with general education staff, families, and related service providers; and promotes student academic, behavioral, social, and functional growth in the least restrictive environment.

 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provide learning support and may be assigned to deliver direct instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with IEP goals and Pennsylvania academic standards.
• Adapt curriculum, instructional methods, and materials to meet the unique needs of students in grades sixth through eighth.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion and appropriate accommodations and modifications.
• Conduct assessments and assist in the evaluation and reevaluation process for students referred for special education services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Chapter 14, and district procedures.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and instructional outcomes.
• Prepare and maintain accurate special education records, progress reports, notices, and other required documentation.
• Participate in IEP meetings, manifestation determination meetings, and other team meetings as required.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, needs, and services.
• Implement positive behavior supports, behavior intervention plans, and classroom management strategies as appropriate.
• Coordinate with related service providers, school psychologists, counselors, administrators, and outside agencies as needed.
• Ensure compliance with timelines, procedural safeguards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Support transition planning for students, including post-secondary goals where appropriate.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and other district-assigned activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or Director of Special Education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, Chapter 14, and other applicable federal and Pennsylvania special education laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of specially designed instruction, differentiated instruction, and evidence-based interventions.
• Ability to develop and implement compliant IEPs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage student behavior in a positive and effective manner.
• Ability to analyze student performance data and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Proficiency with educational technology and special education documentation systems.
• Is knowledgeable of and complies with School Board Policy, PA School Code, and District regulations.
• Proficient in computer operations, including Microsoft Office, email platforms, data entry systems, and online collaboration tools.
• Ability to quickly learn and use company software, digital platforms, and office technology.
• May direct Special Education Assistants.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field required.
• Valid Pennsylvania teaching certification in Special Education required.
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of IEP development, behavioral supports, and inclusive practices preferred.
• Current clearances required under Pennsylvania law, including but not limited to:
• PA State Police Criminal History Clearance
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and/or assist students or classroom materials as needed, consistent with district expectations.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, buses, playgrounds, and community-based settings if applicable.

Work Environment

• Long periods of moving through the classroom for the purpose of supporting learning, classroom management, and student safety.
• Long periods of communicating with students and colleagues.
• School setting with exposure to typical classroom noise and activity levels.
• May include work in emotional support, learning support, autistic support, life skills support, multiple disabilities support, or inclusive classroom settings.
• May require participation in crisis intervention and de-escalation, consistent with district training and policy.

 

Terms of Employment

• Salary and work year established by the Board of School Directors and applicable collective bargaining agreement or district policy.
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory clearances, certification, and compliance with all district and Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

 

 

The Marple Newtown School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, ancestry, disability or other legally protected classification.  This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Inquiries may be directed to Human Resources at 610-359-4361.