Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Autistic Support na Downingtown Area School District

Position: Teacher - Secondary - Special Education - Autistic Support
Location: Downingtown High School East
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Effective Date: Approx. January 22, 2026

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 all certified secondary special education teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a full-time, permanent contract for an Autistic Support Teacher at Downingtown High School East.

• Autistic Support
  • The Autistic Support Teacher is responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students primarily in the areas of communication, sensory, social skills or behaviors consistent with those of autism spectrum disorders.. They create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, focusing on their academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development. The Autistic Support Teacher collaborates with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment. Knowledge of behavior modification techniques is preferred.  

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
  • Click here for more information about required clearances
• Candidate must adhere to all local, state, federal, and school code requirements for employment

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

• Provides instruction and support to special education students in accordance with their individualized education program (IEP).
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials to address students’ individual needs.
• Works cooperatively with district staff, including regular education teachers, pupil services staff, and related service staff, and when appropriate, outside agencies to coordinate student’s program and provide appropriate level of support.
• Coordinates services for students on caseload by being the case manager and preparing all essential documents and other documents, adhering to timelines. Essential documents include but are not limited to permissions for evaluations, evaluation and reevaluation reports, Invitations to Participate, Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP), progress reports and more.
• Collects and effectively communicates data and provides ongoing progress monitoring for students on their caseload.
• Collects and documents ESY-Extended School Year data to determine eligibility. Provides this information to the Supervisor of Special Education.
• Participates actively as part of the Multidisciplinary team and facilitates IEP meetings.
• Provides staff development to professional staff and support staff on particular needs of students on caseload in regards to characteristics of a disability, interventions, strategies, teaching methodologies, and modifications as needed.
• Prepares Functional Behavior Assessments and Positive Behavior Support Plans when necessary.
• Participates in Interagency meetings when necessary.
• Attends scheduled Special Education Department meetings and professional development.  
• Adheres to district policies and procedures.
• Adheres to professional, ethical, and legal standards.

Schedule:
7.5 hours per day based upon district-approved calendar
Up to 191 days per year, plus up to 3 days of orientation for professional employees during first year of employment

Summary of Benefits:
Select Health Benefits a la carte - Only pay for what you need

• Medical Coverage through IBX - PPO plans only
  • No Primary Care Physician necessary
  • No referrals required
  • IBC has extensive local and national networks
• Prescription Coverage through CVS/Caremark
• Dental Coverage - Delta Dental Active PPO
  • Allows use of in-network and out-of-network providers
• Vision Coverage - Vision Benefits of America (VBA)

• Fitness Program
  • Receive $150 back when you complete 120 workouts at an approved fitness facility within 365 days. www.ibx.com/reimbursements
• Nutritional Counseling
  • Up to 6 free visits per calendar year with a registered dietitian.
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Health Advocate is a free, confidential program that offers EAP+ Work/Life benefits to help you address difficulties in your life by providing short term assistance with personal, family, and work issues. In addition, it simplifies the navigation of the health care system by helping you find the right doctors, resolving billing and insurance claim issues, explaining benefit coverages, helping your parents or in-laws with the complexities of Medicare, and much more! 
• Telemedicine
  • The telemedicine benefit through SwiftMD is offered to ALL DASD employees at no cost to you. The telemedicine benefit allows for consultations with US board-certified doctors over the phone or online, from your home, office, or on the road. These physicians can diagnose, recommend treatment, and submit prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice. 

Income Protection Benefit
Pays 60% of your basic monthly pay, up to $2,800 per month

Tuition Reimbursement
75% of tuition if grade if B or better is attained; limit 12 credits per year.

Induction Program
All new teachers, including Long Term Substitutes (LTS), will participate in the DASD Induction Program. The district offers a one- or two-year program depending on the number of years of prior professional experience within PA public schools. 

• After-school workshops
• Collaborative coaching with instructional coach
• Assigned mentor for additional support
• Collaboration meetings with curriculum leader, grade level leader, or supervisor(s)
• New hire faculty meetings with principal(s)

• 10 sick days annually
• 2 personal days annually; may accumulate up to 5

• Personal Days Payout
• Sick Days Payout

EOE