Elementary Special Education Teacher

Urban Pathways K‐5 College Charter School (UPK5) seeks a dedicated and highly qualified Special Education Teacher (Diverse Learning Teacher) to serve scholars in grades K–5. This role is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive equitable access to high‐quality instruction through individualized, compliant, and inclusive programming aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The Special Education Teacher serves as both an instructional leader and case manager, working collaboratively with general education teachers, families, service providers, and school staff to support students’ academic achievement, behavioral growth, and social‐emotional development.

The successful candidate demonstrates high expectations for all learners and a strong commitment to compliance, collaboration, and student‐centered practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assessment & Student Identification

• Perform a variety of formal and informal assessments and observations to identify areas in which students may require specialized or modified educational services.
• Assess student needs across multiple domains, including academic performance, behavior, social development, and functional skills.
• Use assessment data to inform instructional planning, accommodations, and interventions.

Instruction & Individualized Planning

• Identify students’ specific learning needs and develop individualized lesson plans that align with IEP goals.
• Provide specially designed instruction aligned with Pennsylvania state standards and individualized student needs.
• Deliver instruction using push‐in, pull‐out, small group, and co‐teaching models, as appropriate.
• Support students within general education classrooms and specialized instructional settings.
• Manage instructional groups effectively, supporting classrooms of approximately 25–30 students with targeted small‐group rotations of 12 or fewer students.

IEP Development & Compliance

• Design, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in full compliance with IDEA, Chapter 14, and school policies.
• Serve as the case manager for assigned students.
• Develop compliant IEP documentation, including Present Levels, goals, accommodations, modifications, and progress monitoring plans.
• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings, reevaluations, and annual reviews.
• Develop, complete, and maintain all special education paperwork required by local, state, and federal regulations.

Collaboration & Integrated Support

• Develop an integrated educational plan for each student by collaborating with:
• Classroom teachers
• Parents/guardians
• Social workers
• Related service providers
• Other school and medical staff
• Collaborate closely with general education teachers to ensure accommodations and instructional plans are implemented with fidelity.
• Communicate and coordinate with the transportation department to arrange services for students receiving special education transportation supports.

Behavior Support & Student Development

• Monitor student behavior and provide interventions as needed, including supports aligned to Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).
• Foster positive behavior, emotional regulation, and social skill development.
• Celebrate student growth, achievements, and successes—academically and behaviorally.
• Supervise students throughout the school campus, during transitions, and during school‐sponsored activities and trips.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Collaborate with parents and guardians to keep them informed of their child’s progress, performance, and support services.
• Build and maintain respectful, trust‐based relationships with families and the broader school community.
• Communicate clearly, consistently, and professionally regarding student needs and progress.

Key Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification (PK‐8 or K‐12).
• Demonstrated classroom experience in special education settings.
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
• Special education principles and practices
• IEP development and implementation
• Current issues and trends in special education
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with:
• Parents/guardians
• Community partners
• School and administrative staff
• Ability to meet all Pennsylvania employment and clearance requirements, including Act 34, Act 151, FBI Fingerprinting, Act 168, physical exam, and TB testing.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $51,905.97 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification

• Special Education Certification (Required)
• Teaching Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute

• Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Required)

Work Location: In person