The Special Education Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and providing specialized instruction to students with autism. This includes managing classroom staffing, implementing evidence-based curricula, and collaborating with families and school personnel to improve student outcomes.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a valid PA Instructional I or II Special Education Certification and have experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Required certifications include First Aid, CPR, and emergency prevention and intervention strategies.
professional certificatepostgraduate degreeApplied Behavior AnalysisCrisis InterventionCurriculum ImplementationClassroom ManagementData CollectionDifferentiated InstructionStudent AssessmentIEP DevelopmentStudent Record MaintenanceBehavioral PlanningSpecial Education InstructionCollaborative Coaching
Job description
The Special Education Teacher plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for students in a variety of educational settings and is responsible for creating an environment that provides specialized instruction, such that students benefit from curriculum and classroom structure to the greatest extent possible, in collaboration with other team members. This position leads the development and delivery of the Individualized Education Plan and progress reporting on defined student goals and objectives.
About Vista Autism Services
Vista Autism Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and their families through innovative, compassionate, and data-driven services. Founded on the belief that unique potential is within reach, Vista provides support at every stage of life—from early intervention to school-age education, adult services, employment support, and beyond.
Our mission is simple but powerful
To advance and innovate, to improve lives, and to inspire hope for individuals with autism and their families. Every program we design is grounded in evidence-based practices and led by passionate professionals who are deeply committed to making a difference.
At Vista, we value
Excellence in everything we do
Teamwork across all levels and roles
Dependability in our services and each other
Dignity for the individuals and families we serve
Consistency in providing high-quality, individualized support
Essential functions
Employs special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of the student as defined in the IEP
Adapts classroom work to provide students with instructional materials that address the IEP within established lesson plans, and differentiates individualized needs within group learning contexts
Administers developmental testing programs and subject-specific assessments for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing the IEP
Teaches socially acceptable behavior, as determined by the student’s IEP and behavior plan, by employing techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis
Assesses and creates data collection systems to collect data and updates student programs routinely for meaningful progress for each learner
Plans the instructional and staffing arrangement and assignments within the classroom and inclusive settings for the school day as well as long term classroom instructional planning
Implements curriculum within the classroom with fidelity and facilitates the training of classroom staff with Teacher programs and academic curriculum
Provides coaching to all team members in a supportive and collaborative manner and receives and implements coaching and feedback
Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of a community resources to improve the quality of student outcomes and achieve established classroom objectives
Maintains accurate and complete student records (attendance, special education paperwork, etc.) and prepares reports, as required by laws, organizational policies, and administrative regulations
Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, inclusive locations, recess, etc.) to provide a safe and positive learning environment
Completes other duties as assigned
Physical demands
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The following positions or movements are typical of the job: sitting, walking, running, standing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, stooping, kneeling, and crawling, often for extended periods of the workday. Assignments may require the ability to physically move clients during possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment.
The position requires that an individual be able to learn new tasks quickly and effectively. Job requirements may change frequently. The ability to understand and carry out detailed, involved, instructions is mandatory.
Expected schedule
This is a full time, 40 hour per week position that follows the CoVE calendar, which includes ESY. Days and hours of the work week are agreed upon by the Vista Executive Director of Educational Programs and the Carlisle Area School District.
Minimum Qualifications
Valid and active Instructional I or II Special Education Certification from the Commonwealth of PA required
Previous experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders required, with knowledge of inclusion practices and Applied Behavior Analysis programming preferred
Successful completion and renewal of emergency prevention & intervention strategies required
Successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including First Aid & CPR required
Successful completion of all required PA Department of Education training required
Ability to implement, train, and coach other staff on the implementation of services and proper crisis prevention and intervention techniques required
Knowledge and skills
Master's degree in special education preferred
Ability to work efficiently with a service-oriented attitude with frequent interruptions
Demonstrates strong relationship and networking skills
Demonstrates strong leadership abilities and organizational skills
Effectively manages multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines
Problem solves in a positive manner to analyze issues and create action plans
Demonstrates flexibility, receptiveness to change, tactfulness, patience, and courtesy
Market context
Pennsylvania special education roles stay in demand
Special education teachers are consistently needed in Pennsylvania schools, especially for candidates who can support students with behavioral health challenges in classroom settings. These roles are competitive because they require both the proper PA certification and the ability to manage individualized instruction, behavior support, and collaboration with school teams. Review the school’s caseload and support model closely, and note that the requirements and benefits shown here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save you research time.
