Life Skills Teacher

Ephrata Area School District, 803 Oak Boulevard, Ephrata, PA, is seeking a dedicated and student-centered Life Skills Support Teacher to join our Intermediate/Middle School team.

The Life Skills Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with a range of educational, functional, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional needs. The teacher works collaboratively with families, general and special education staff, related service providers, and other members of the educational team to develop individualized programming that promotes student growth, independence, and meaningful participation in the school community.

The successful candidate will create a structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment while providing instruction aligned with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instruction may include functional academics, communication, social skills, self-care, daily living skills, and other skills necessary to increase student independence and prepare students for future success.

• Plan and provide individualized and small-group instruction based on students' IEP goals, abilities, and identified needs.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and revise Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with state and federal special education requirements.
• Provide instruction in functional academics, communication, social-emotional development, daily living skills, self-advocacy, and independence, as appropriate to individual student needs.
• Adapt curriculum, instructional materials, assessments, and learning activities to provide students with meaningful access to instruction.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze student data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and guide instructional decisions.
• Develop and implement positive behavioral supports and strategies consistent with individual student needs and educational plans.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support student participation and inclusion in the general education setting, as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with parents/guardians, administrators, para educators, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Provide direction and support to para educators working within the Life Skills Support program to promote consistent implementation of student programming.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary evaluations, transition planning, and other student-centered team meetings.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and complete required special education documentation within established timelines.
• Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes student learning and independence.
• Maintain current knowledge of effective instructional practices, assistive technology, positive behavioral supports, and developments in special education.

The specific qualifications and requirements for a learning support teacher may vary depending on the educational institution and jurisdiction. However, some common requirements include:

Education:

ABachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Certification:
Valid Pennsylvania teaching certification appropriate for the assignment, including the required Special Education certification for the grade levels served.

Experience:

Relevant teaching certification or licensure, such as a special education teaching license. Student teaching experience in a supervised education programe at an accredited institution.
Ability to create and implement instructional strategies and accommodations for diverse learners.
Ability to create and implement individualized education plans (IEP)
Knowledge/

Skills:

Knowledge of different learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and developmental delays.
Familiarity with assessment tools and strategies for identifying students' individual needs.
Other:
Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and classroom management skills and a commitment to supporting students with diverse and complex learning needs.

Please see the attached position description for more detailed information about the position.

• Must demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
  
  Must interact positively with administration, students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Must demonstrate…