Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher

Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching

Date Posted: 2/3/2026

Location:

Highlands Elementary School

Date Available:

02/18/2026

Closing Date:
Until Filled

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Essential Functions

• Develop lesson plans and deliver small group instruction within an emotional support classroom.
• Maintain compliant special educational paperwork, including input forms, IEPs, FBAs, PBSPs, NOREPs, etc.
• Collect and report progress monitoring data.
• Collaborate with other teachers, professional staff and administrators to address instructional and/or classroom issues.
• Respond to a wide range of inquiries from parents or guardians regarding instruction, learning and student progress.
• Conduct assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
• Coordinate with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinate with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
• Serve as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self‑understanding, and behavioral management; serve as liaison between home and school.
• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record‑keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.
• Assist in the orientation of new teachers, and provide in‑service training in guidance.
• Select and requisition appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintain inventory records.

Additional Duties

Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self‑evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Works in standard office and school building environments.

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License

PA State Certification as a Special Education Teacher.

Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Master's Degree in Special Education.

Experience

Successful prior special education teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Highlands is an EOE