Special Education Teacher-Emotional Support

Special Education Teacher

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District believes that all students can succeed when provided with the appropriate social, emotional, and academic supports. We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Special Education Teacher to lead our Elementary Emotional Support (ES) program. In this role, you will foster a trauma-informed, safe, and structured classroom environment that respects the dignity of every child while helping them build self-regulation, behavioral success, and academic confidence.

Under the supervision of the Principal, the ES Special Education Teacher will design and implement individualized academic and positive behavior support plans, supporting elementary students as they navigate emotional and behavioral growth in both specialized and general education environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Behavioral & Social-Emotional Instruction: Implement evidence-based behavioral interventions, trauma-informed practices, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to teach self-regulation, coping strategies, and social skills.
• Instructional Adaptation: Plan, differentiate, and adapt elementary curriculum to meet individual academic and emotional needs, ensuring appropriate challenge and support.
• Functional Behavior Assessments & BIPs: Conduct or contribute to Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and design, implement, and monitor individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs)
• Data Collection & Progress Monitoring: Systematically record, analyze, and report behavioral data and target IEP goals to adjust interventions and demonstrate student growth.
• Case Management & IEP Leadership: Serve as primary case manager for ES students, leading IEP meetings, writing compliant goal plans, and maintaining continuous, collaborative communication with families.
• De-escalation & Safety: Utilize crisis prevention and de-escalation strategies (e.g., Safety-Care or CPI) to maintain a physically and emotionally safe classroom setting.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Supervise classroom paraprofessionals/paraplanners, direct adult support in the room, and collaborate daily with general education teachers, school psychologists, counselors, and related service providers.

Qualifications:

• Valid Pennsylvania Special Education Certificate (PK-12, PK-8, or N-12).
• Demonstrated experience or strong knowledge in trauma-informed care, behavior modification strategies, and emotional support programming.
• Certification in crisis de-escalation techniques (e.g., CPI, Safety-Care) preferred, or willingness to complete training upon hire.
• Strong communication, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Bachelor's degree (Required).
• Prior experience in an Emotional Support or specialized behavioral setting preferred.

Benefits:

• Highly competitive salary (WSEA bargaining unit contract)
• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Vision, and Dental benefits
• Paid Sick and Personal Leave

District retains the right to screen, interview, and offer employment to candidates prior to the closing date of this posting.

Employment in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is non-discriminatory. That is, there is no discrimination in recruitment, employment, or promotion on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical handicap, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, or age.