Therapeutic Learning Classroom (Emotional Support) Teacher

Job Title: Therapeutic Learning Classroom Teacher

We are seeking a committed and passionate Special Education Teacher to lead our Therapeutic Learning Classroom serving students in the lower grades. This specialized classroom is designed for young learners with emotional support needs who benefit from a highly individualized and structured learning environment. The teacher will provide differentiated instruction aligned with students' IEP goals, implement functional academic and life skills programming, and collaborate closely with families, related service providers, and support staff.

This is a mission-driven role for an educator who believes in the potential of all children, embraces inclusive education, and values a nurturing, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to teaching.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement individualized instruction based on student IEPs, developmental levels, and learning styles
• Teach functional academics, early literacy and numeracy, communication skills, social-emotional learning, and life skills
• Use evidence-based instructional strategies, including visual supports, task analysis, and positive behavior support
• Create a structured, sensory-friendly classroom environment that promotes student regulation, independence, and engagement
• Integrate assistive technology and augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) tools as needed
• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate, timely data collection and documentation
• Lead IEP meetings, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and maintain compliance with IDEA requirements
• Provide direction and mentorship to classroom support staff (e.g., paraprofessionals, aides)'Foster strong partnerships with families to support generalization of skills and student success beyond the classroom

What You Bring to the Table

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Pennsylvania Instructional Certification in Special Education (PK–8 or equivalent)
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities, including autism, intellectual disability, and communication disorders
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, behavior intervention strategies, and inclusive supports
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and student-centered teaching
• Patience, creativity, and flexibility in adapting instruction and managing a diverse range of needs
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with families, staff, and interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills for IEPs, progress monitoring, and communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with TEACCH, PECS, ABA, or structured teaching models
• Training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, or positive behavior supports
• Bilingual in Spanish, preferred

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 10 months, exempt
• This position is for in-person work at our location
• 180 instructional days, 191 work days (new staff members work additional days for induction/orientation)
• In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable
• To be eligible to work for Pan American Academy Charter School, you must complete and submit background clearances and paperwork prior to your start date. We can accept clearances that are less than one year old from the date a new employee presents them to Human Resources.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including your spam and junk folders, for these notices.

Please note: Both prior experience and educational degree must go through a verification process for the final salary to be confirmed.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination: Pan American Academy Charter School is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, disability, history of disability, or perceived disability. If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [email protected] or call 215-425-1212.