Special Education; Emotional Support

Position: Special Education (Emotional Support)
Position Title:

Special Education (Emotional Support)

Position Location:

Multiple Locations

Bargaining Unit:

William Penn Educational Association - 10 months

Effective Dates:

3/26/26

Job description last updated: 3/26/26

Position Summary: The Emotional Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to students with emotional and behavioral needs that interfere with their ability to learn in a general education environment. This educator plays a vital role in fostering students' academic, behavioral, social, and communication development within a structured, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment. Key responsibilities include implementing and monitoring students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborating with families and interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring that instructional strategies align with each student's unique needs.

The teacher ensures compliance with state educational standards while promoting measurable progress and overall student success.

District Summary

The William Penn School District is located in southeastern Delaware County and serves approximately 5,000 students residing in the Boroughs of Aldan, Colwyn, Darby, East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, and Yeadon. We share a collective vision to educate, nurture, and empower all students to become career and/or college-ready.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties:

• Instructional Support:
  • Develop and deliver customized lesson plans that address each student's specific IEP goals.
  • Tailor teaching strategies to meet the diverse academic, behavioral needs, and social-emotional learning of students with autism.
  • Use evidence-based strategies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), visual supports, and social skills training to foster learning and development.
  • Work with small groups or individuals, adjusting instruction based on students' abilities and progress.
• IEP Development & Monitoring:
  • Collaborate with other educators, specialists, and parents to create and implement effective IEPs for students on the spectrum with emotional and behavioral challenges.
  • Ensure that the IEPs are followed and consistently updated based on ongoing assessments and student needs.
  • Regularly monitor and document student progress, making necessary adjustments to teaching approaches.
• Behavioral Support:
  • Establish and maintain a structured, predictable classroom environment that promotes learning and minimizes distractions.
  • Implement and manage positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) to address both academic and behavioral challenges.
  • Provide direct support to students during challenging behavioral situations, using de-escalation techniques and strategies to ensure a safe environment.
• Collaboration:
  • Work closely with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers (e.g., speech and occupational therapists) to ensure comprehensive support for each student.
  • Participate in team meetings, IEP meetings, and professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices for working with students with emotional and behavioral needs
  • Foster a positive relationship with families, providing regular updates on student progress and strategies to support learning at home.
• Compliance & Reporting:
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding special education and student accommodations.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student performance, behavioral plans, and IEP documents.
  • Advocate for resources and supports to enhance the educational experience for students with autism.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices and behavior management strategies.
• Ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations.
• Knowledge/awareness of one's own cultural identity and how it influences behavior, and a desire to learn about others' cultural identities.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
• Ability to understand and hold oneself and others accountable for promoting and attaining the goals as outlined in Focus Forward & Beyond.
• Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual, even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
• Knowledge of PA Core Standards and Eligible Content
• Knowledge of Instructional Planning Guides as it relates to the instructional block
• Knowledge of Digital Curriculum components
• Ability to courageously lead conversations focused on equity, closing opportunity gaps, and equal access to technology-infused lessons of rigor.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff and administrators, students, parents or guardians, outside agencies, and the public, in a multi-ethnic, multicultural, multilingual environment.
• Ability to receive and implement feedback to improve practice and systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid Pennsylvania…