Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Support Long-Term Substitute

Position: Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Life Skills Support Long-Term Substitute
Location: Lionville Middle School
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Effective Date: Approx. October 9, 2026 - June 7, 2027

Are you passionate about helping ALL students learn in a collaborative environment? If so, we may have the career for you! Downingtown Area School District is excited to announce an opening for a certified secondary special education teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This position will be located at Lionville Middle School and is a long-term substitute opportunity beginning approx. 10/9/2026 and lasting through the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

• Life Skills Support
  • The Life Skills Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support in the areas of academic, functional and adaptive skills to students with moderate to significant cognitive impairments. They create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, focusing on their academic, social, emotional, daily living, and behavioral development. The Life Skills Support Teacher collaborates with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.

At DASD, we are committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion in order to achieve and sustain excellence in education. As a diverse district, we continually seek ways to strengthen our educational environment. We believe that we can best promote excellence by recruiting and retaining a diverse group of staff who bring various backgrounds and perspectives. Our ability to create and maintain a climate of respect is critical to attaining the best teaching and learning environment.

At Downingtown Area School District we value our employees. We seek to hire new staff who:

• Communicate openly to build relationships and trust  
• Partner with team members to see the TEAM succeed
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and seek ongoing opportunities for growth
• Embrace and support a safe and inclusive environment
• Eagerly and enthusiastically support student learning
• Strive to be kind and reflective
• Focus on the solution and put people first
• Lead by example!

If you want to be part of our "Downingtown Proud" team - please apply! Help us with our mission to educate all students to meet the rigorous challenges of a global society.

Job Summary: Primary functions include the classroom instruction of students following district curriculum and procedures.

Qualifications: (Abbreviated - Please review the attached Job Description for more details on this specific opportunity)

• Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and hold a proper Pennsylvania certification for the position
• The employee in this position could be required as part of his or her duties to engage in activities that can be charged to a Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare program. Clearance as provider under such programs by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government is therefore an essential qualification for this position
• Possesses a positive attitude toward the teaching profession, service to the district, and importance and purpose of the education program
• Proficiency in use of technology for individual or group demonstration or communication
• Must be able to flex and vary hours to accommodate needs of students, parents, and other teachers
• Possesses effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and outside organizations
• Exhibits excellent classroom management skills
• Demonstrates effective communication skills to provide accurate information to others and to obtain, give, and follow directions
• Demonstrates ability to provide good judgment, planning, and human relations skills, as well as be required to work under periods of stress due to the level of the position responsibility
• Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements
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