Alternative Education Instructor

Job Summary:

Provide educational and therapeutic programming and instruction to students in a school setting.  This is year-round position located at Bethesda's main campus in Meadville, PA.

Essential Functions of the Position:

1. Utilize appropriate instructional materials and supplies to prepare and present lessons consistent with instructional goals, school district and PA Department of Education regulations.

2. Provide an educational atmosphere consistent with instructional and program goals that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.

3. Maintain effective classroom management utilizing positive behavioral support in accordance with applicable regulations.

4 Develop, implement, and comply with Individualized Education Plans when applicable, providing continuity of instruction by preparing and utilizing daily lesson plans, acknowledging individual student abilities and skill levels, and ensuring students are working toward home school graduation requirements.

5. Assist administration in the implementation of policies and rules governing student life and conduct and maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.

6. Facilitate/transition students through daily school routines, being alert to safety issues and ensuring proper supervision of students throughout the school day.

7. Respond to student behavioral needs by utilizing hierarchy of interventions, consistently enforcing classroom and agency rules and policies and demonstrating safe physical management techniques when necessary.

8. Plan for and provide therapeutic and developmental counseling in behavioral, social, and interpersonal skill building.

9. Work closely with the alternative education therapist to ensure the counseling component is met during instruction time.

10. Attend and participate in educational meeting and acts as a liaison between Bethesda Lutheran Services, school districts, families, and affiliated agencies.

Professional Responsibilities:

1. Understand and fulfill job duties within the scope of the mission statement.

2. Maintain professional relationships with agency personnel, school personnel, students, families and outside agencies.

3. Fulfill training requirements as outlined in the Staff Development policy and as required by the supervisor, program, and PA Department of Education.

4. Act as a positive role model for students by maintaining a professional demeanor and ethical behavior at all times.

Required Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of Pennsylvania Education and Special Education regulations.

2. Knowledge of developmental psychology and adolescent behavior.

3. Superior interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain relationships on a professional level.

4. Ability to de-escalate an emotionally charged or potentially violent situation using the least restrictive method possible

5 Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

6. Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

7. Ability to maintain records and other documents efficiently.

Required Education, Experience, and Clearances:

1. Bachelor Degree in Education, Special Education or related field.

2. Possess current Level I or Level II Pennsylvania Professional Teaching Certificate.

3. Experience working with at-risk adolescents within an educational setting.

4. FBI, Child Abuse History, PA State Police, and Driver Clearances. 

Excellent Benefits:

• 403 (b)
• 403 (b) matching
• Health insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dental & vision insurance
• Employer Paid Life & Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Volunteer AFLAC
• Pet Insurance
• 12 Paid Holidays per Year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer