Developmental Specialist I (Special Education Teacher)

Our teachers collaborate closely with each student’s home school to ensure coursework is provided in both online and hard-copy formats and to support students in completing past-due work, staying current, and managing asynchronous learning. We work with families and school personnel to gather relevant academic, attendance, behavioral, and mental health information; establish academic goals aligned with classroom instruction; submit documentation of completed work for credit; share feedback on effective learning strategies; support 504 planning for school re-entry when needed; and provide medical excuses with follow-up plans.

Since 1990, we have proudly served as the only private, licensed academic school within UPMC, delivering high-quality education to students receiving inpatient care. Our collaborative team of 5–6 dedicated teachers prioritizes student needs, maintains strong communication with families and home schools, and uses data-driven feedback to continuously improve our services. Must have Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in Special Education.

Teachers get summers off as well.

Academic Support Support children and adolescents with assignment completion during school programming. Observe, record, and communicate patient academic progress to the inpatient team and home schools. Use observational data to inform school contacts during conferences and as needed.

Communication & Collaboration Communicate with families as needed regarding educational concerns. Coordinate with school partners to support educational needs and transition planning. Report relevant clinical and non-clinical concerns to classroom, clinical, and administrative leadership.

Documentation & Compliance Complete all required documentation accurately and within assigned timelines. Maintain current patient and program records in compliance with accreditation, licensing, regulatory, and partnership standards. Team Participation Participate in unit meetings, staff meetings, treatment team discussions, and supervision as assigned.

Environment & Professional Standards Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment in accordance with health and safety regulations. Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors. Complete additional duties as assigned per program guidelines.

Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, or Child Development is required with one year of relevant teaching experience required. OR Bachelor's degree in behavioral health field and 3 years of relevant teaching experience required. Ability to relate sensitively to students and be consistently responsive to their needs.

Emotional stability, maturity and must show evidence of good judgment. Knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate practices. Effectively communicate information to other staff members, parents, visitors, etc.

Supervisory and leadership skills strongly preferred. May in the course of their job duties be in rooms where medications are stored. No contact with medications is allowed.

ATTENTION: A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL BACHELOR’S DEGREE LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in Special Education or Emotionally Socially disturbed within 8 weeks of hire required. Required License ACT 48 (completion of 180 continuing professional education hours every 5 years) to maintain an active teaching certification required.

Maintain all Pennsylvania Department of Education(PDE) requirements, including any new requirements deemed necessary by PDE. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) Teaching Certificate Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal Act 33 with renewal Act 34 with renewal Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran