Long Term Substitute Social Studies Teacher

Job Title: Long Term Substitute Social Studies Teacher

Position Summary:

The Social Studies Teacher in the Alternative Education Program provides dynamic, standards-aligned instruction in biological sciences to students in grades 7-12. This role is designed for a teacher passionate about helping students overcome challenges and succeed in a non-traditional educational setting. The teacher fosters a supportive, inclusive environment that meets the academic, social, and emotional needs of students while preparing them for post-secondary opportunities and lifelong learning.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Instruction and Curriculum Delivery

• Develop and deliver lessons in areas such as U.S. History, World History, Civics, Geography, and Economics, aligned with state standards.
• Utilize a variety of instructional methods, including project-based learning, discussions, and technology integration, to engage students and enhance critical thinking. Adapt instructional methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and meet the needs of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, or other specialized learning requirements.

Student Engagement and Support

• Build positive relationships with students, fostering a safe and motivating learning environment.
• Provide academic support to address gaps in knowledge and help students achieve mastery in biology.
• Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through inquiry-based instruction and collaborative activities.

Behavioral Support

• Establish and maintain a structured, respectful classroom environment using trauma-informed and restorative practices.
• Address and manage challenging behaviors, collaborating with counselors and support staff as needed.
• Model and promote effective conflict-resolution skills.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Administer and analyze assessments to evaluate student understanding and inform instruction.
• Monitor and document student progress, adjusting lessons and strategies to support learning goals.
• Provide constructive feedback to students and families to promote academic growth.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, including school counselors, special education staff, and administrators, to address the holistic needs of students.
• Participate in team meetings to discuss student progress, behavior interventions, and instructional planning.
• Communicate regularly with families to provide updates and involve them in the educational process.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records, including grades, attendance, and required documentation.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in biology education and alternative education.
Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the alternative education program.

Qualifications:

Certification:

• PDE Certification in Social Studies (Grades 7-12)

Experience:

• Experience working in alternative education settings or with at-risk youth preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, positive behavior interventions, and restorative practices is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong instructional and classroom management skills.
• Ability to build rapport with students and support their academic and social-emotional development.
• Proficiency in integrating technology into instruction.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a commitment to student success.
Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel and Outlook, and willingness to experiment and work with new technologies.

Additional Requirements:

• Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).

• School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions:
The Social Studies Teacher operates in a dynamic alternative education setting that requires flexibility, innovation, and a proactive approach to addressing student needs. The role involves managing smaller class sizes and providing individualized support for students who may face academic, social, or behavioral challenges. This position may involve standing, walking, and active engagement throughout the day. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting for extended period of time
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 35 pounds
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
• Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers
• Hearing clearly
• Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Principal

Department: Alternative Education Program

Position Schedule: Based on Assignment (192 work days in a full school year)

Salary: $200/day ($26.67/hour)

Benefits: AIU Long Term Substitute Teachers Benefits

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.

Please send any questions to: recruitment@aiu3.net

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.