Corrections Education Teacher (Social Studies assignment) - Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Social Studies – CSIU Schools at North Central Secure Treatment Unit (NCSTU)

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The Corrections Education Teacher reports directly to the Corrections Education Program Principal in conjunction with the Chief Academic Officer.

JOB DEFINITION: The Corrections Education Teacher at NCSTU will be responsible for the daily instruction and progress reporting in the social studies content areas for students in a particular school program on the corrections campus, based on individual need.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and implement methods of instruction and curriculum of planned courses in the area of social studies which are typically found within a secondary school setting (Civics, Geography, History, Economics & Financial literacy).
2. Collaborating with the Social Studies department team to develop relevant lesson plans based on social studies standards, state requirements, student needs’ assessments, and special education recommendations.
3. Educate students using project-based learning, lecture and demonstration, audiovisual aids and other materials to supplement instruction.
4. Assessing student needs and providing support or extra resources to struggling students as well as exceptional achievers.
5. Incorporate life skills, transitional components, and career-based learning within instructional practice.
6. Grading tests, pop quizzes, assignments, exams, and other assessments, and communicating with parents, students, teachers, and counselors regarding underperformance and other concerns.
7. Keeping abreast of current events and incorporating these events and themes into lessons to enhance relevance for students.
8. Consistently and accurately document attendance, classroom departures, safety and security concerns, student behaviors, and any other necessary information. When applicable, determine, implement, and document replacement instruction. Seek additional opportunities to work collaboratively with outside agencies to support instruction and promote exceptional learning opportunities to advance course curricula.
9. Regularly communicate with education teams and Department of Human Services (DHS) teams to discuss alterations of the school schedule, student behavior concerns, upcoming projects or tests, and other items of high priority.
10. Integrate technological components to improve lesson delivery, maintain accurate recordkeeping, and develop multimedia skills-based learning.
11. Establish a structured, consistent, classroom management style that promotes a safe and secure learning environment for all members of the educational community.
12. Provide timely, progressive feedback to support goal-oriented learning.
13. Maintain professional moderation during class discussion regarding controversial or sensitive literary topics.
14. Build a strong and positive role in the school environment focused on supportive, collaborative rapport with students, co-teachers, and DHS staff.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Performs other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• Minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree with a major in education or field specific degree program with an emphasis on education.
• A valid Pennsylvania teacher certification in 8875-Social Studies 7-12 is required. A candidate with a bachelor’s degree and willingness to obtain a Type 01 Long-Term Substitute Teacher with Educational Obligation emergency permit with education obligation in the area of 8875 – Social Studies 7-12 will be considered.
• Additional certification in either 9227-Special Education 7-12 or 9225-Special Education PK-12 is preferred.
• A demonstrated ability to work with at-risk populations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary to properly maintain open channels of communication with agencies, school districts, parents, members of higher education institutions, etc.
• Must have the ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students, and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.
• Computer experience using word processing, Outlook email, internet browsers.
• Adept at using virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. 

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Maintain PDE certification requirements of Act 48 hours for the Professional Education Records Management System (PERMS) specific five (5) year periods.
2. Training in and ability to implement fully all components of Safe Crisis Management, Suicide Prevention/Intervention, and First Aid/CPR are required.
3. Attendance at training seminars and in-service programs identified as important to the operation of an effective correctional instruction program.
4. Participation in workshops/seminars to enhance technological skills and content-area knowledge in Social Studies, special education, positive behavior support, and various daily living skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  The Corrections Education Teacher assigned to NCSTU must have the ability to:

1. Perform light physical education activities with the students including, bending, light exercise, throwing, hitting a ball, etc.
2. Navigate the hallways (which may be filled with students) quickly in the event of an altercation.
3. The ability to physically separate fighting students, implementing fully all components of Safe Crisis Management.
4. Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
5. Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
6. Able to move throughout all buildings, floors, and grounds.
7. Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
8. Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
9. Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS: 

1. This is a full time exempt position working 188 days over 11-month schedule (working August through June). Some evening meetings may be required.
2. Occasional overnight travel to seminars or training may be required.
3. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.

Employee and supervisor signatures indicate receipt of job description.  This document is not an employee contract nor does it imply a guarantee of continued employment in this position.