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    Position:    Special Education Teacher (Dynamic Learning Pathway)

    Location:    William Penn High School

    Start Date:    August 2026

    Reports to:    Principal

    Compensation:Refer to current teacher salary scale on District website

    Work Year:    10 months

POSITION GOAL:

The Special Education Teacher in the Dynamic Learning Pathway serves as the lead educator in a self-contained classroom at William Penn High School. This position supports students with significant learning needs who are working toward achievement on the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements (EE) and earning a Diploma of Alternative Achievement Standards.  The teacher is responsible for planning, organizing, and delivering high-quality, specialized instruction based on the district-approved curriculum while addressing each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instruction includes core academic content as well as the development of functional life skills, including communication, self-advocacy, social skills, daily living skills, and independent decision-making to support students in becoming as independent as possible. In addition, the position emphasizes vocational readiness and real-world learning experiences. The teacher provides instruction in workplace readiness, vocational exploration, and job-related skills, while facilitating community-based learning opportunities and community trips that allow students to practice functional skills, social interaction, and workplace behaviors in authentic settings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

    The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

• Must be eligible or hold valid State of Delaware certification as a Teacher of Exceptional Children K-12 and a Core Content Area (Middle or Secondary Level).
• Acceptable Criminal Background Report and no entries on Child Protection Registry in the State of Delaware. 
• Successful completion of required Praxis II tests and student teaching placement.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Master's degree preferred.
• Knowledge and skills in working with students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based  instructional strategies for students with significant learning needs, including AAC, SDI, and structured literacy and math approaches.
• Experience with or knowledge of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
• Experience supervising or directing paraeducators in an instructional setting preferred. 
• Demonstrates sensitivity to issues impacting various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. 
• Proficient in Technology, such as Microsoft and Google Applications, Classlink, Schoology, Infinite Campus, etc.
• Demonstrates understanding and ability to perform job related tasks.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    To perform this job  successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities related to the District.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on student assessments, present levels, student needs, and progress data, including Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) where applicable. 
• Design and deliver specially designed instruction (SDI) aligned with the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Essential Elements (EE) and IEP goals using district-approved curriculum, evidence-based strategies, assistive technology, and scaffolded supports across Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Vocation - differentiated to each student's level of functioning and preferred learning modalities. 
• Integrate functional life skills instruction - including communication, self-advocacy, daily living, and independent decision-making - into academic programming.
• Plan and facilitate vocational exploration, workplace readiness, and community-based learning experiences that allow students to practice skills in authentic settings.
• Administer and interpret formal and informal assessments - including IEP progress monitoring, literacy and math assessments, benchmark assessments - to drive instructional decisions. 
• Maintain accurate and timely data records, report student progress to families and the district in accordance with IEP requirements and state timelines. 
• Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, transition planning conferences, and other required meetings and/or conferences as a collaborative team member and primary case manager
• Establish and maintain a structured, predictable classroom environment that supports the behavioral and social-emotional needs of students. 
• Implement evidence-based behavioral and social-emotional interventions, apply district expectations for Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
• Direct, model, and provide feedback to paraeducators to ensure consistent implementation of specially designed instruction (SDI), data collection, behavior supports, and IEP accommodations - fostering a cohesive instructional team that prioritizes student dignity, independence, and growth.
• Communicate proactively and regularly with families regarding student progress, IEP implementation, and behavioral support; build and sustain cooperative working relationships with families, community agency partners, school staff, and administration.
• Maintain valid Delaware certification and required clock hours through DEEDS; stay current on evidence-based practices for students with significant disabilities and actively engage in required and self-selected professional learning aligned to role responsibilities.
• Comply with all Federal, State and Local regulations and policies: accurately complete required paperwork within designated timelines, utilize district resources (i.e Employee Handbook, District website, Collaborative Agreement, Professional Code of Conduct, Administrative procedures, School District Board Policies, etc.) to maintain professionalism and avoid noncompliance, and cooperate with compliance monitoring and dispute resolution activities. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the building principal and/or supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMAND:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and/or fingers to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, and taste or smell. This job requires repetitive stopping, twisting and bending. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

PRE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal Background Check - must be less than 1 year old
• TB Test Results - must be less than 1 year old
• Copy of Social Security Card - required by the State of Delaware
• I-9 Form with appropriate forms of identification
• Child Protective Registry

*  These items must be completed prior to your start date, they should be completed immediately.

WHY APPLY IN COLONIAL:

When you apply you will have:

• The opportunity to teach with a very knowledgeable, high-achieving and fun school team.
• An innovative and diverse work atmosphere.
• The ability to grow and learn in a considerate, and open-minded culture with supportive school colleagues. 
• Access to new and exciting technologies to use in your classroom daily.
• A competitive salary with generous benefit packages.
• The opportunity to make an impact on the lives of students and families daily in Delaware

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates who meet the qualifications may apply by completing an employment application at http://applitrack.com/colonial/onlineapp no later than 11:59pm on the closing date. A resume and teaching certification are required for external candidates. A resume is required for internal candidates.

Applicants needing special accommodations in the application process of this vacancy announcement may contact the Human Resources Division at (302)323-2712.

Per the collective bargaining agreement between Colonial Education Association and Colonial School District, employees covered by this agreement may apply for vacancies in accordance with the application procedures stated on the publicized announcement posted between March 1 and July 31.

Interviews will begin five days after posting.

The Colonial School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees, applicants, visitors, or others, and does not deny access to educational or other services, based on any characteristic prohibited by law."