K-5 Special Education Substitute Teacher

TITLE: Special Education Substitute Teacher

REPORTS TO: Special Education Coordinator

Department: Program for Students with Exceptionalities (PSE)

JOB FUNCTION: The Substitute Program for Students with Exceptionalities (PSE) Teacher provides instructional and classroom support for students receiving special education services when the regularly assigned PSE teacher is absent. The Substitute PSE Teacher is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment while implementing the plans, routines, accommodations, modifications, and instructional activities established by the classroom teacher and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

The Substitute PSE Teacher works collaboratively with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and the PSE Coordinator to support students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional needs.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Follow lesson plans, classroom schedules, student routines, and instructional materials provided by the assigned teacher.
• Provide instruction and support to students receiving special education services in accordance with their IEPs and established classroom procedures.
• Implement appropriate accommodations and modifications documented in students' IEPs.
• Provide individual, small-group, and classroom instruction as outlined in the teacher's plans.
• Support students across special education settings, including but not limited to Learning Support, Emotional Support, Autistic Support, and/or Multi-Disabilities Support, as assigned.
• Maintain a positive, structured, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.
• Reinforce classroom expectations, school-wide behavior expectations, and established behavior support procedures.
• Follow student-specific behavior plans and safety procedures when provided.
• Complete daily behavior logs for student-specific behavior plans.
• Monitor student behavior, engagement, and academic participation and communicate significant concerns to the appropriate staff member.
• Support students with transitions, classroom routines, independent work, and other daily activities.
• Provide appropriate assistance with organizational, fine-motor, communication, social, and functional skills as directed by the classroom teacher or IEP.
• Collaborate with paraprofessionals and other school staff to ensure consistency of student supports.
• Maintain student confidentiality and comply with all applicable school, state, and federal requirements regarding special education records and student information.
• Ensure students are supervised appropriately at all times.
• Follow all school procedures related to arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, specials, transitions, and emergency situations.
• Complete classroom documentation or other assigned duties as requested.
• Communicate pertinent student or classroom concerns to the PSE Coordinator, school administration, and/or assigned teacher.
• Maintain professional communication and conduct with students, families, staff, and school administration.
• Perform other duties related to student supervision and instructional support as assigned.

Special Education Responsibilities

The Substitute PSE Teacher is expected to:

• Review available IEP information and teacher-provided student support information before providing instruction whenever possible.
• Follow documented accommodations, modifications, and classroom supports.
• Maintain the instructional services and routines established by the student's special education program.
• Consult with the PSE Coordinator when clarification is needed regarding a student's special education support.
• Document and report significant concerns regarding student progress, behavior, safety, or implementation of supports.
• Protect the confidentiality of all special education information and student records.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with students of all abilities
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain student confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Strong instructional, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately to students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional needs.
• Proficiency in the use of educational technology and productivity tools (e.g., Google Suite, IEP writer, or Microsoft Office) with a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Knowledge of IEPs, accommodations, modifications, positive behavior supports, and inclusive educational practices.
• Credentials - Must have the following:
• Must hold a current, valid Pennsylvania Special Education PK-12 (9225) Teaching Certificate or Mental and/or Physically Handicapped K-12 (9235) Teaching Certificate
• Clearances:
• ACT 33 - PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• ACT 34 - PA State Police Criminal History Clearance
• ACT 114 - FBI Criminal History Clearance

Professional Expectations

The Substitute PSE Teacher is expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, flexibility, and a student-centered approach.
• Treat all students with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Maintain high expectations for student participation and learning while recognizing individual student needs.
• Follow Urban Academy policies, procedures, and school-wide expectations.
• Work collaboratively with the PSE Department and school staff.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and families.
• Demonstrate a commitment to providing an equitable and inclusive educational environment for all students.

Position Type: Substitute / As-Needed

COMPENSATION

Salary starts at $25 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination and are based on qualifications, experience, job requirements, and the needs of the school and its students.

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25