Teacher

Job Description

Special Education Teacher

Hope Academy at The Hope Learning Center – Bringing Hope, Building Futures

At Hope Academy, part of The Hope Learning Center, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for students with special needs. As a premier provider of educational and therapeutic services, we celebrate individual success and empower students to reach their fullest potential through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Special Education Teacher to lead a classroom of students with diverse learning needs. This role is ideal for an educator who thrives in a structured yet flexible environment, values collaboration, and is dedicated to meaningful student growth and family partnership.Why Teachers Choose Hope:

Purpose-Driven Work – Make a lasting impact in the lives of students and families

Collaborative Environment – Work alongside therapists, paraprofessionals, and administrators

Professional Growth – Ongoing development, mentorship, and leadership support

Work-Life Balance – School-based schedule with built-in breaks

Comprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, vision, PTO, and a 401k planWhat You’ll DoClassroom Leadership & Instruction

Lead daily classroom instruction using individualized, data-driven teaching strategies

Provide 1:1 behavioral, emotional, academic, and life-skills support as needed

Review student histories and IEPs to support smooth classroom intake and individualized lesson planning

Plan, prepare, and implement individualized lesson plans aligned with student goals

Utilize special education strategies, AAC, and assistive technology to support communication and learning

Assign and review homework to reinforce classroom instruction

Maintain individualized classroom schedules and ensure a safe, structured learning environment

Supervise and provide guidance to teacher assistants and classroom aidesStudent Progress & Data Management

Set measurable student goals and monitor progress using formal and informal assessments

Track and report weekly grades for all students on caseload

Collect and maintain accurate data on IEP goals and targeted skills

Complete ESY determinations and ongoing progress monitoring

Administer state assessments, including PASA and PSSA, as requiredDocumentation & Compliance

Serve as the first reviewer for all special education documentation

Write, manage, and revise annual IEPs in collaboration with the IEP team

Communicate regularly with the IEP team regarding student progress and needs

Uphold all educational, operational, and facility standards set by Hope Academy and the Pennsylvania Department of Education

Collaborate with Operations staff to identify and address site or facility needsFamily & Team Collaboration

Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings

Maintain consistent, scheduled communication with families

Write and maintain progress notes, reports, and family communications

Collaborate with administrators, therapists, families, and external partners to improve service delivery

Participate in team meetings and professional development opportunities

Perform additional duties as assigned by leadershipWhat We’re Looking For

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required)

Certification: Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification (required)

Experience: Experience working with individuals with developmental delays

Skills: Strong classroom management, communication, organization, and collaboration skills

Join Us:

At Hope Academy, you’re not just teaching—you’re shaping futures. You’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values excellence, compassion, and teamwork while providing the support needed to do your best work.

The Hope Centers value and respect the full range of social and cultural characteristics and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, financial ability, marital status, parenthood, disability, ethnic background, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status or on any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. Employment at Hope Centers is strictly based upon qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Hope Center is committed to maintaining fair and equitable employment practices in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. All employment policies, procedures, and practices shall be designed to ensure equal opportunity, prohibit discrimination and retaliation, and promote an inclusive workplace.

Policy Statement

The Hope Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. Employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, consistent with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Protected Characteristics

No person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the basis of:

Race (including hair type, hair texture, or hair style)

Color

Religious creed (including observance, practice and belief)

Disability (physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health)

Ancestry or national origin

Age (40 and over)

Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation

Genetic information

Veteran or military status

Familial or martial status

Or any other characteristic protected under applicable law

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:

Recruitment, hiring, and job advertisements

Assignments, classifications, and promotions

Compensation, benefits, and training

Transfers, discipline, and termination

Discipline and termination

Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship

Protection for retaliation for good-faith reports or participation in investigations

Enforcement & Reporting

Managers, supervisors, and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy. Any person who believes that have been subject to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should report the matter through established grievance or HR reporting process. The Hope Center shall investigate promptly and take appropriate corrective action. No individual will be retaliated against for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation.

Full-time