Part Time Special Education Mentor

TITLE: Part Time Special Education Mentor    

REPORTS TO: Asst  Superintendent for Student Services     

CLASSIFICATION: PT 10 month Professional Staff     

 STATUS:                 Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Support the growth and professional development of special education apprentices while also providing direct instructional and compliance-based services to students with disabilities. This position plays a dual role within the Special Education Department, serving as both an instructional leader and a mentoring resource to ensure quality educational experiences for all students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This position is subject to applicable Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) regulations and operates in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania School Code, and district policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mentoring of Special Education Apprentices

•   Serve as the primary mentor and professional resource for special education apprentices enrolled in alternative routes to certification or new teacher induction programs

•   Conduct regular formal and informal observations of apprentice teachers, providing timely written and verbal feedback aligned to Pennsylvania educator effectiveness standards

•   Model effective instructional strategies, behavior management techniques, and IEP implementation practices

•   Guide apprentices in understanding and applying IDEA requirements, Chapter 14 regulations, and district special education procedures

•   Collaborate with the Supervisor of Special Education, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Career Pathway Coordinator and building principals to monitor and document apprentice progress

•   Assist in the development of professional growth plans and address areas of concern in a constructive and supportive manner

Direct Instruction to Students

•   Provide direct, research-based instruction to students with disabilities in resource, inclusion, or self-contained settings as assigned

•   Design and implement differentiated lesson plans aligned to students' IEP goals, present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP), and Pennsylvania academic standards

•   Utilize a variety of instructional techniques, assistive technologies, and accommodations to address diverse learning profiles

•   Collect, analyze, and utilize student data to inform instructional decisions and measure progress toward IEP goals

•   Maintain a structured, positive, and inclusive learning environment consistent with district Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks

IEP Development, Review & Compliance

•   Draft legally compliant IEPs in accordance with IDEA and Pennsylvania Chapter 14 requirements, including present levels, measurable annual goals, special education and related services, accommodations, and transition planning as appropriate

•   Review and provide quality-assurance feedback on IEPs written by apprentice teachers and other special education staff as assigned

•   Participate in and facilitate IEP team meetings in collaboration with general education teachers, related service providers, parents/guardians, and administrators

•   Ensure timely completion and accurate documentation of evaluation reports (ERs), IEPs, re-evaluations, and other required special education documents in the district's Student Information System (SIS) and IEP software platform

•   Monitor compliance with IEP timelines and support the department in meeting all PDE mandated reporting requirements

Push-In / Co-Teaching Support

•   Deliver push-in instructional support within general education classrooms to assist students with disabilities in accessing the core curriculum in the least restrictive environment (LRE)

•   Collaborate and co-plan with general education teachers to implement co-teaching models including team teaching, parallel teaching, station teaching, and alternative teaching

•   Support the implementation of accommodations and modifications outlined in student IEPs within the general education setting

•   Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture that values all learners and promotes peer relationships

General Special Education Teaching Duties

•   Communicate proactively and professionally with parents, guardians, and families regarding student progress, services, and IEP implementation

•   Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and IDEA requirements

•   Participate in department meetings, professional development activities, and building-level collaboration as required

•   Assist with the coordination and implementation of special education transition services for eligible students

•   Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or building principal

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

•   In-depth knowledge of IDEA, Pennsylvania Chapter 14 regulations, and special education best practices

•   Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write clear, measurable IEP goals and professional reports

•   Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach adult learners in a supportive, professional manner

•   Proficiency with IEP software (e.g., Frontline/IEP Direct, Sapphire, etc.) and Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Suite

•   Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community agencies

•   Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

•   Commitment to equity, inclusion, and high expectations for all students with disabilities

•   Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Special Education or    related field preferred

Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of successful special education teaching experience in a public school setting

Valid Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate (Special Education PK–12 or applicable area of certification)

 Pennsylvania Special Education Supervisory Certificate (as required   by 22 Pa. Code § 49.143)

Demonstrated experience writing legally compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under IDEA and Pennsylvania Chapter 14 regulations

Prior experience in a mentoring, coaching, or supervisory capacity preferred

Knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies for students with a range of disabilities, including but not limited to learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities

Submission of pre-employment medical examination (Section 148 of the Pennsylvania School Code)

Submission of a report of criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police (Section 111 of the Pennsylvania School Code)

Submission of a clearance report from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in accordance with Act 151 of 1994

Submission of Federal Criminal History Record in accordance with Act 114 of 2006

Submission of the Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form as required under Act 24 of 2011

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Ability to reach above and below the waist  

Ability to use fingers to pick, feel and grasp objects

Some stooping, bending, kneeling, and twisting of the body required  

Ability to lift and/or carry supplies and/or papers weighing no more than 20 lbs. 

Ability to mostly sit with some walking and standing or moving throughout the work environment

Ability to provide safe physical management (restraint) of students when necessary

SENSORY ABILITIES:  Visual acuity

Auditory acuity

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Typical office/classroom environment

Subject to inside environmental conditions

TEMPERAMENT: Must possess excellent interpersonal skills

Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions

Able to make judgments and work under high level of stress

COGNITIVE ABILITY:  Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to organize tasks   

Ability to handle multiple tasks

Ability to exercise good judgment

SPECIFIC SKILLS: Must possess leadership skills

Must possess supervisory skills

(Approximate employees - 25 directly/27 indirectly)

Must possess technology skills

Ability to operate various office equipment

Must possess active listening skills

Must possess conflict mediation skills

Must possess fiscal management skills

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability or disabilities to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job.)