MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, education, or related field
• Valid Pennsylvania Teacher certification in Special Education, Science, Math, Computer Science, or Technology Education.
• Experience teaching students who qualify for special education, including but not limited to individuals with autism and emotional/behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of STEM subjects and the ability to make complex concepts accessible to students with diverse learning needs.
• Experience with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiated instruction techniques.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create an inclusive, safe, and supportive classroom environment where all students can thrive.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and a passion for teaching students with special needs.

disabilities. Use creative and multisensory approaches to make STEM concepts engaging and accessible

• Lead students in experiments, investigations and explorations of STEM concepts; encourage students to develop a curiosity about their world and the ability to seek out answers by gaining an understanding of STEM concepts.
• Adapt teaching methods and materials in accordance with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure students’ academic, social, and behavioral needs are met. Collaborate with other educators and support staff to align teaching strategies with students’ goals.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student’s needs
• Establish a structured, calm, and predictable classroom environment where students can thrive. Utilize positive behavior supports, visual schedules, and sensory tools to promote engagement and reduce anxiety.
• Work closely with the interdisciplinary team, including special education teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists, to provide holistic support for each student’s development
• Implement individualized behavior management plans that focus on teaching social, communication, and self-regulation skills. Use evidence-based strategies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, to support positive behavior and reduce challenging behaviors.
• Promote Cross-Disciplinary Integration through project-based learning that combines elements from multiple STEM areas and uses real-world applications to connect science, technology, engineering, and math, fostering collaborative learning, innovation, and critical thinking skills.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development focused on special education strategies, and STEM education. Stay informed about best practices and new developments in the field
• Maintains a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with all constituents (board members, administrators, colleagues, faculty, parents, students, and others).
• Attends and actively participates in team meetings and professional development as appropriate.
• Maintains proper credentials for assignment and remains educationally
• Performs related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This teacher role focuses on teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects to students ages 5 through 22 with a wide range of developmental and learning challenges. This Teacher will have expertise in creating an inclusive, structured, and supportive learning environment, ensuring that all students can engage with and benefit from STEM education. This teacher will be responsible for:

• Curriculum Planning and Implementation
• Instructional Delivery
• Classroom Organization and Resource Management
• Safety and Supervision of students
• Promoting Student Independence
• Commitment to professional development and lifelong learning

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, organize and implement appropriate instructional practices and strategies to develop students’ skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Develop and implement STEM lessons (for students grades K through age 22) that are customized to meet the unique needs of students with autism and other developmental

disabilities. Use creative and multisensory approaches to make STEM concepts engaging and accessible

• Lead students in experiments, investigations and explorations of STEM concepts; encourage students to develop a curiosity about their world and the ability to seek out answers by gaining an understanding of STEM concepts.
• Adapt teaching methods and materials in accordance with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure students’ academic, social, and behavioral needs are met. Collaborate with other educators and support staff to align teaching strategies with students’ goals.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student’s needs
• Establish a structured, calm, and predictable classroom environment where students can thrive. Utilize positive behavior supports, visual schedules, and sensory tools to promote engagement and reduce anxiety.
• Work closely with the interdisciplinary team, including special education teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists, to provide holistic support for each student’s development
• Implement individualized behavior management plans that focus on teaching social, communication, and self-regulation skills. Use evidence-based strategies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, to support positive behavior and reduce challenging behaviors.
• Promote Cross-Disciplinary Integration through project-based learning that combines elements from multiple STEM areas and uses real-world applications to connect science, technology, engineering, and math, fostering collaborative learning, innovation, and critical thinking skills.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development focused on special education strategies, and STEM education. Stay informed about best practices and new developments in the field
• Maintains a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with all constituents (board members, administrators, colleagues, faculty, parents, students, and others).
• Attends and actively participates in team meetings and professional development as appropriate.
• Maintains proper credentials for assignment and remains educationally
• Performs related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned.

VFES offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees’ 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!
VFES and The Vanguard School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know. We’re excited to hear from you!