Special Education Teacher

Job Description Special Education TeacherHope Academy at The Hope Learning Center – Bringing Hope, Building FuturesNow Hiring — ESY Start Date: June 15, 2025This position begins with our Extended School Year (ESY) program on June 15, with the opportunity to continue as a full-time role for the upcoming school year. ESY is a state-mandated summer program that provides continued special education services to eligible students with IEPs, ensuring they maintain the skills and progress made during the regular school year. Candidates who can commit to the June 15 start date are strongly encouraged to apply.At Hope Academy, part of The Hope Learning Center, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for students with special needs. As a premier provider of educational and therapeutic services, we celebrate individual success and empower students to reach their fullest potential through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices.We are seeking a passionate and skilled Special Education Teacher to lead a classroom of students with diverse learning needs. This role is ideal for an educator who thrives in a structured yet flexible environment, values collaboration, and is dedicated to meaningful student growth and family partnership.Why Teachers Choose HopePurpose-Driven Work – Make a lasting impact in the lives of students and familiesCollaborative Environment – Work alongside therapists, paraprofessionals, and administratorsProfessional Growth – Ongoing development, mentorship, and leadership supportWork-Life Balance – School-based schedule with built-in breaksComprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, vision, PTO, and a 401k planWhat You'll DoExtended School Year (ESY) – Starting June 15Your first weeks at Hope Academy will be spent in our ESY program, a structured summer session serving students with IEPs who require continued support beyond the regular school year. During ESY you will:Deliver individualized instruction aligned to each student's IEP goals throughout the ESY sessionComplete ESY determinations and ongoing progress monitoring for your caseloadMaintain student data and provide progress reports to families at the close of ESYCollaborate with therapists and paraprofessionals to ensure continuity of servicesPrepare classroom structures and routines that transition smoothly into the regularschool yearClassroom Leadership & InstructionLead daily classroom instruction using individualized, data-driven teaching strategiesProvide 1:1 behavioral, emotional, academic, and life-skills support as neededReview student histories and IEPs to support smooth classroom intake and individualized lesson planningPlan, prepare, and implement individualized lesson plans aligned with student goalsUtilize special education strategies, AAC, and assistive technology to support communication and learningAssign and review homework to reinforce classroom instructionMaintain individualized classroom schedules and ensure a safe, structured learning environmentSupervise and provide guidance to teacher assistants and classroom aidesStudent Progress & Data ManagementSet measurable student goals and monitor progress using formal and informal assessmentsTrack and report weekly grades for all students on caseloadCollect and maintain accurate data on IEP goals and targeted skillsComplete ESY determinations and ongoing progress monitoringAdminister state assessments, including PASA and PSSA, as requiredDocumentation & ComplianceServe as the first reviewer for all special education documentationWrite, manage, and revise annual IEPs in collaboration with the IEP teamCommunicate regularly with the IEP team regarding student progress and needsUphold all educational, operational, and facility standards set by Hope Academy and the Pennsylvania Department of EducationCollaborate with Operations staff to identify and address site or facility needsFamily & Team CollaborationAttend and actively participate in IEP meetingsMaintain consistent, scheduled communication with familiesWrite and maintain progress notes, reports, and family communicationsCollaborate with administrators, therapists, families, and external partners toimprove service deliveryParticipate in team meetings and professional development opportunitiesPerform additional duties as assigned by leadershipWhat We're Looking ForEducation: Bachelor's Degree (required)Certification: Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification (required)Availability: Must be available to begin June 15 for ESYExperience: Experience working with individuals with developmental delaysSkills: Strong classroom management, communication, organization, and collaboration skillsReady to make a difference? Apply today — we're reviewing applications on a rolling basis and moving quickly to fill this role ahead of our June 15 ESY start.Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination PolicyThe Hope Center is committed to maintaining fair and equitable employment practices in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. All employment policies, procedures, and practices shall be designed to ensure equal opportunity, prohibit discrimination and retaliation, and promote an inclusive workplace.Policy StatementThe Hope Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. Employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, consistent with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.Protected CharacteristicsNo person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the basis of:Race (including hair type, hair texture, or hair style)ColorReligious creed (including observance, practice and belief)Disability (physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health)Ancestry or national originAge (40 and over)Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientationGenetic informationVeteran or military statusFamilial or martial statusOr any other characteristic protected under applicable lawScope of PolicyThis policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:Recruitment, hiring, and job advertisementsAssignments, classifications, and promotionsCompensation, benefits, and trainingTransfers, discipline, and terminationDiscipline and terminationReasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardshipProtection for retaliation for good-faith reports or participation in investigationsEnforcement & ReportingManagers, supervisors, and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy. Any person who believes that have been subject to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should report the matter through established grievance or HR reporting process. The Hope Center shall investigate promptly and take appropriate corrective action. No individual will be retaliated against for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation.