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

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Openings as of 7/15/2026

• Position Type:
  Teacher - Secondary / Special Education
• Date Posted: 7/8/2026
• Date Available:
  
  10/9/2026
• 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.

• 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!

Primary functions include 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 be cleared as a provider under Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare program
• Possesses a positive attitude toward the teaching profession and the importance of education
• Proficiency in use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication
• Ability to flex and vary hours to accommodate needs of students, parents, and teachers
• Possesses effective interpersonal skills to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and outside organizations
• Exhibits excellent classroom management skills
• Demonstrates effective communication skills to provide accurate information and follow directions
• Demonstrates good judgment, planning, and human relations skills, and ability to work under stress due to the level of responsibility
• Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements (including any required clearances)
• Candidate must 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 (e.g., permissions for evaluations, evaluation and reevaluation reports, invitations to participate, IEP, NOREP, progress reports, etc.)
• 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 regarding characteristics of a disability, interventions, strategies, teaching methodologies, and modifications as needed
• Prepares Functional Behavior Assessments and Positive Behavior Support Plans when necessary
• Participates in Interagency meetings when necessary
• Attends scheduled Special Education Department meetings and professional development
• Adheres to district policies and procedures
• Adheres to professional, ethical, and legal standards

Placement upon salary scale is dependent upon education and…