Life Skills Teacher

Job Summary: The Life Skills Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering engaging instruction that helps students develop essential daily living and independent functioning skills. The teacher fosters personal growth, social development, problem-solving, and practical life competencies while aligning instruction with school, district, and transition goals. The position promotes a supportive learning environment that encourages independence, confidence, collaboration, and respect for diverse abilities and experiences.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement age-appropriate life skills curriculum aligned with school, district, and transition goals.
2. Teach a variety of independent living skills, including personal care, communication, social skills, decision-making, and problem-solving.
3. Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs and abilities of students.
4. Integrate functional academics and real-world applications such as budgeting, time management, and community navigation.
5. Assess student progress through formative and summative evaluations and provide timely, constructive feedback to students and families.
6. Establish and maintain a safe, structured, and supportive classroom environment that promotes independence and respect.
7. Organize and manage instructional materials, adaptive tools, and resources used for life skills instruction.
8. Teach and reinforce appropriate social behaviors, self-advocacy, and responsible decision-making in various settings.
9. Encourage development of confidence, independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
10. Support students in developing personal goals, transition plans, and independent living competencies, particularly at the secondary level.
11. Provide opportunities for community-based instruction and real-world learning experiences when appropriate.
12. Communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators regarding student progress and classroom activities.
13. Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events.
14. Collaborate with general education teachers, support staff, and related service providers to support student learning and school-wide initiatives.
15. Maintain accurate records of attendance, student progress, behavior, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) documentation in accordance with school policies.
16. Support or assist with life skills–related extracurricular activities, transition programs, or community partnerships, as assigned.
17. Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Pennsylvania Department of Education certification in Special Education PK-12 or Special Education 7-12 required
• Submission of pre-employment medical examination
• Submission of the following clearances:
  • Pennsylvania State Criminal History Record
  • Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearances
  • Federal Background Check (Fingerprints)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable