What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Teacher position at Green Tree Schools?
Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19138
Employment Type: Full-Time (Monday to Friday)
Salary: Based on education and experience
Join Green Tree School & Services (GTS), an Approved Private School (APS) providing specialized, full-time out-of-district placements for students with emotional and autism support needs. Our multidisciplinary team, including special education teachers, therapists, and counselors, delivers a holistic approach with evidence-based interventions to support each student’s unique journey. Through individualized instruction, community integration, and programs in art, music, and vocational training, we empower students to reach their full potential.
At the heart of our work are our core values — integrity, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and support — which guide how we show up for students, families, and each other every day.
Why Join Us?
- Weekday Schedule – Work Monday through Friday with a consistent school-based schedule, no nights or weekends required.
- Paid School Breaks & Time Off – Enjoy paid school breaks, holidays, and personal time off, ensuring time to recharge and reset.
- Comprehensive Benefits – Access health, dental, and vision insurance, plus employer-paid short-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA).
- Financial Perks – Benefit from a 401(k)-retirement plan with up to 4% company match, plus employer-paid HSA contributions and life & disability insurance.
- Professional Development – Advance your career with tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, leadership training, and pathways to grow into teaching or behavioral health roles.
- Supportive Team – Collaborate with educators, specialists, and therapists in a positive, inclusive environment with annual awards, Teammate Appreciation Week, and team-building events.
- Make an Impact – Help students with special needs build life skills, confidence, and independence in a supportive school environment.
Your Role as a Special Education Teacher:
- IEP Development & Instruction – Contribute to the development and implementation of IEPs, lesson plans, and instructional strategies tailored to students' individual needs and goals.
- Documentation & Reporting – Submit required documentation, including IEPs, progress reports, and evaluation reports, in a timely manner.
- Collaboration & Communication – Work with multidisciplinary teams, parents, and staff to provide appropriate services and support student progress.
- Classroom Management & Behavior Support – Maintain an organized and structured classroom while implementing behavior management strategies and crisis intervention techniques.
- Assessment & Progress Monitoring – Conduct assessments, track student progress, and document behavior data to support evaluations and behavior plans.
- Safety & Compliance – Ensure safety, adhere to policies (including confidentiality and PPE use), and assist students with self-care as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Active PA Teaching Certification is required, such as a Private Academic Certificate or Level I/II Pennsylvania Instructional Special Education Certification (K-12).
- Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least six credit hours in special education may qualify for a Temporary Private Academic Certificate.
- All New Story School teachers must have their PA teaching license in place by August 1, 2025.
- Must have authorization to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship.
Ready to Make an Impact? Apply Today!
Green Tree School and its affiliated schools are proud to be equal opportunity employers, celebrating diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment for both our employees and the students we serve. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.