The Valley Day School·Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania
The teacher is responsible for designing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and utilizing various teaching methods to support student academic and emotional development. They must collaborate with clinical and behavioral teams while directing instructional aides to ensure effective classroom functioning.
Description The Valley Day School, one of the leading Approved Private Schools in Bucks County, is looking for passionate Special Education Teachers who want to inspire, innovate and promote learning. Successful candidates will become a vital part of our school staff. Located on a beautiful wooded 10.4-acre suburban campus in Morrisville, PA, we work closely with families, community supports and educational partners to promote student success.
JOB SUMMARY Responsible for the design and implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student assigned to the classroom and for developing and implementing a variety of formal and informal teaching methods to enable students to achieve their IEP goals and objectives. Works collaboratively with the Clinical and Behavioral teams to promote student academic, social, and emotional development.
Responsible for the design and implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) within deadlines for each student assigned to the classroom ? Responsible for assessing the functioning level of each student and for developing and implementing goals and objectives. Responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the program and participating in each student’s interdisciplinary IEP team meeting. Prepares and implements daily written lesson plans ? Develops and implements a variety of formal and informal teaching methods and techniques as determined to be appropriate for each student in accordance with the approved IEP and student assessments. Uses objective data collection systems and approved progress monitoring systems to help ensure that students are making adequate progress on IEP goals and objectives. Devises and obtains instructional materials and assures the proper maintenance of these materials ? Directs activities of instructional aides and assures implementation of established instructional procedures. Communicates with students’ guardian/caretaker(s) on a weekly basis (at minimum) to inform them of and support student progress. Completes all required paperwork in accordance with Valley Day School policies and procedures, in a timely manner.
Attends and participates in team meetings and faculty meetings as requested and/or scheduled. Attends and participates in training in Valley Day practices and procedures, as well as ongoing professional development, and applies training to professional duties. Participates in training in Safe Crisis Management and applies training to respond to urgent student situations to deescalate behavioral problems.
Serves as a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect under PA state law, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the students. Maintains the confidentiality of students and their families/guardians. Performs other duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the building and teaching team.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Classroom teachers are required to direct activities of instructional aides such as Paraeducators and 1:1 Personal Student Assistants.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must be able to physically respond to student behaviors, including but not limited to bend, squat, stretch, reach, follow students, or other approved physical interventions.
Must be able to implement and perform Safe Crisis Management techniques to respond to student behaviors.
Expected Hours/ Shift Type: This is a 10-month, full time position with a fixed schedule Monday through Friday.
Occasional evening, weekend, or on-call hours may be required.
The ability to maintain punctual and reliable attendance is critical to this position.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Possession of a current Pennsylvania Professional Certificate in Special Education (Accepted certifications include Special Education PK-8, Special Education 7-12, Special Education PK-12, or Special Education N-12.).
Responsible for maintaining this certification and for maintaining and developing professional skills by participating in appropriate training sessions and/ or courses.
Demonstrated ability in written and oral communication.
PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Experience in developing and implementing Special Education programs and classroom management for students with developmental disabilities.
Experience in developing and writing Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
Knowledge of and experience with the Danielson Framework.
Current CPR/First Aid certification.
An appreciation and understanding of instructional technology.
High tolerance for loud, disruptive, and sometimes provocative student behavior.
Ability to maintain a positive and constructive attitude under stressful situations.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS All employees of Valley Day School must obtain and submit to the school the appropriate clearances before their first day of employment.
These documents include, but are not limited to: PA Criminal Record Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Registration Information, DPW Child Abuse Clearance, Act 168 form for present and past employment history, etc.
OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Valley Day School is committed to equal opportunity in employment. It is the Company’s policy that equal employment opportunity be provided without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity/expression), sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other factors protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or any other status protected by law.
Candidates must possess a current Pennsylvania Professional Certificate in Special Education and demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills. Experience in developing IEPs and managing classrooms for students with developmental disabilities is preferred.
Market context
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.