Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Long-Term Substitute

Position: Teacher
- Secondary
- Special Education
- Life Skills Support Long-Term Substitute Location: Lionville Middle School Benefits Eligible: Yes Effective Date: Approx. October 9, 2026 - June 7, 2027

Are you passionate about helping ALL students learn in a collaborative environment? If so, we may have the career for you! Downingtown Area School District is excited to announce an opening for a certified secondary special education teacher for the  school year. This position will be located at Lionville Middle School and is a long-term substitute opportunity beginning approx. 10/9/2026 and lasting through the end of the  school year.

• The Life Skills Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support in the areas of academic, functional and adaptive skills to students with moderate to significant cognitive impairments. They create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, focusing on their academic, social, emotional, daily living, and behavioral development. The Life Skills Support Teacher 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 to achieve and sustain excellence in education. As a diverse district, we continually seek ways to strengthen our educational environment.

• 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!

Help us with our mission to educate all students to meet the rigorous challenges of a global society.

Primary functions include the classroom instruction of students following district curriculum and procedures.

• Graduate of an accredited college or university and hold a proper Pennsylvania certification for the position
• Required to engage in activities that can be charged to a Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare program. Clearance as provider under such programs by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government is essential.
• Positive attitude toward the teaching profession, service to the district, and importance and purpose of the education program
• Proficiency in the use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication
• Ability to flex and vary hours to accommodate 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 to others and to obtain, give, and follow directions
• Ability to provide good judgment, planning, and human relations skills, and to work under periods of stress due to the level of the position responsibility
• Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements.  for more information about required clearances.
• Adhere to all local, state, federal, and school code requirements for employment

• 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…