Vocational Teacher - Computer Education

SUBSIDIARY: Fairwold Academy

ROLE TYPE: Full-Time

JOB OVERVIEW:

This position is responsible for the instruction of educational programs and curricula for exceptional students. The Computer Instruction Teacher designs and implements a program of study that prepares students for industry standards, experiences, and certification. The Computer Instruction Teacher collaborates with members of the instructional team in the planning and implementation of behavioral and academic interventions and supports to ensure students receive a quality educational program. The Computer Instruction Teacher manages the paraeducators in the classroom and reports to the Principal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assesses and evaluates students' skills regarding appropriate vocational courses
• Plans, develops, and implements individualized and group instruction and therapeutic behavior management relative to the needs of the individuals or group
• Manages and coordinates programs of study, including curriculum and industry standards, to move student achievement toward certifications; recommends appropriate career and/or vocational assessments
• Promotes contemporary, responsive programs to meet economic and workforce needs
• Drives business partnerships in the field; secures job placement or intern/apprenticeship positions for students and the school
• Coordinates career planning activities in classrooms, postsecondary activities, career events, and employment opportunities
• Completes appropriate written reports, plans, and records relative to the educational program (point sheets, behavior data, academic progress, and social goals progress) in a timely and professional manner
• Plans and facilitates instruction with adaptations as designated in the student's IEP
• Supervises and sets clear expectations for paraeducator staff in their supportive role in the classroom, with the goal of ensuring best practices for all students, educationally and therapeutically
• Effectively manages the classroom environment, including engaging students and incorporating proactive behavior management strategies
• Maintains an organized classroom that fosters structure and support conducive to learning
• Fully engages in staff development trainings to continue to develop and maintain skills regarding the dynamic needs of students
• Adheres to the core competencies of teacher expectations: planning and preparation, instructional delivery, content knowledge and pedagogy, and professionalism
• Communicates regularly with parents or guardians
• Adheres to all PHMC and Fairwold Academy policies and procedures
• Performs related duties as assigned

SKILLS:

• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of educational staff and parents to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships

• Excellent ability to work with students of all ages, levels, and from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds

• Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum and instructional strategies for students experiencing behavior management challenges

• Demonstrated knowledge of theory and principles of child growth and development, with an emphasis on social-emotional development and low-incidence disabilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of basic and advanced computer programs

• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft programs

• Demonstrated knowledge of basic coding

• Demonstrated knowledge of using computer skills in a job setting

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in computer education

• Demonstrated knowledge of School Wide Positive Behavior Support systems, including PBIS data systems

• Demonstrated ability to effectively instruct, assess, and evaluate students with behavioral and social-emotional needs

• Demonstrated skills with computers, data systems, and electronic reports

• Demonstrated ability to understand and adhere to policies and procedures

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Sufficient mobility and ability to participate in managing the safety of a child through physical or personal interventions

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Establish appropriate assessments and provide guidance on suitable vocational career planning. Assess and evaluate students' skills regarding appropriate vocational courses.
• Manage and coordinate programs of study, including curriculum and industry standards, to move student achievement toward certifications. Ensure all students have a rigorous program of study for future careers in the field.
• Build partnership with at least one external business and offer at least one certification as an outcome of one year in the program.
• Participate as needed in IEP meetings with professionalism, accurate data and records, and respectful parent communications.
• Plan, develop, and implement a weekly lesson guide for assigned curricula, adhering to pacing timelines and scripted programs, providing adaptations and modifications as necessary to accommodate students' IEPs.
• Deliver consistent instruction that demonstrates 1) knowledge of industry content and pedagogy through a variety of active engagement and instructional strategies, 2) effective questioning and discussion techniques, 3) positive and constructive feedback, and 4) responsiveness to student learning and behavioral needs.
• Manage a safe and orderly classroom environment that demonstrates 1) purposeful and equitable learning, 2) structured routines and classroom expectations, 3) skillful organization of the physical space, and 4) positive, appropriate, and highly respectful interactions among students and staff.
• Manage student data, assess student learning, and monitor progress. Complete documentation, reports, summaries, and other evaluative measures of students' individual academic and social progress aligned to the instructional goals, showing evidence of adaptations as needed within dictated timelines.
• Manage paraeducator staff by setting clear expectations for their supportive role in the classroom, ensuring best practices for all students educationally and therapeutically.
• Adhere to all proactive behavioral incident management and reporting protocols, including SCM, PBIS, and trauma-informed practices, as designated by PHMC and Fairwold policy.
• Ensure that effective management and instructional delivery of the classroom continues with thorough substitute plans, routines, and communication with the instructional team.
• Ensure student point sheets include positive and accurate daily feedback for parent communication.
• Provide support to the school community at all times to maintain an orderly school environment. Provide support to students in crisis or those students demonstrating non-compliant behavior.
• Engage in full, active, and frequent participation in professional development events and opportunities, with the consistent application of new learning in the classroom and sharing of learning with colleagues.
• Engage in full, active participation in professional school events that may extend beyond the school day, including but not limited to Back to School Night, Parent Conferences, Academic Honors, and PBIS Events.
• Maintain full and active compliance with all PHMC and Fairwold Academy regarding job performance and conduct standards and expectations.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Routine school environment
• Employee may be involved in de-escalating student behaviors using mandatory approved techniques
• Potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• May transport students in agency in accordance with PA Department of Education and Department of Transportation requirements and school and PHMC procedures
• Ability to climb stairs and walk on uneven terrain, play yards, and school grounds
• Ability to move rapidly, forward, backward, and laterally
• Physical capacity to lift, move, and position a student up to age 21 who may weigh 150 pounds or more with the assistance of other properly trained personnel
• Ability to independently utilize routine office equipment
• Ability to independently travel outside of school hours as determined by administration

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have one of the following teaching certificates in Pennsylvania:

• Career and Technical certificate, Instructional I or II

• Special Education certificate, Instructional I or II

• Current and valid Career and Technical emergency permit (Employee must maintain active enrollment in an accredited postsecondary program to maintain and earn certification within the designated PDE timeline.)

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• 1 year of experience required in working with a special needs population in a school setting

• Must have an understanding of emotional and behavioral disorders, mental health issues, autism, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities

SALARY: Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.