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Why Join Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 23?
The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) is a leading regional educational service agency that partners with school districts across Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, to deliver innovative, high‑quality learning experiences. As a hub for instructional expertise, special‑education support, and early‑childhood services, MCIU empowers educators, families, and students to achieve their fullest potential. When you join our team, you become part of a collaborative community that values equity, evidence‑based practice, and continuous professional growth. Our mission‑driven culture is anchored in the belief that every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to a nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Position Overview
We are actively seeking a Long‑Term Substitute Classroom Teacher – Autistic Support (Early Intervention) to serve students ages three to five within our Early Childhood Services office. This full‑time, 12‑month assignment (194 instructional days per year) provides a unique blend of classroom leadership, individualized education plan (IEP) management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The role is designed for educators who thrive in dynamic, student‑centered settings and who are committed to fostering meaningful progress for children on the autism spectrum.
Key Responsibilities
- Instruction & Curriculum Delivery – Design, implement, and adapt daily lesson plans that align with Pennsylvania Early Childhood Learning Standards while incorporating evidence‑based strategies for autism support.
- IEP Development & Management – Conduct comprehensive assessments, draft and update individualized education plans, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Partner regularly with physical, occupational, and speech‑language therapists to create cohesive, multi‑modal instructional programs that address each child’s unique developmental profile.
- Family Engagement – Maintain consistent, transparent communication with families through written progress reports, weekly conferences, and collaborative goal‑setting sessions.
- Classroom Management & Environment – Establish a positive, structured learning space that promotes safety, independence, and social interaction, using visual supports, schedules, and behavior‑intervention plans as needed.
- Data Collection & Evaluation – Gather quantitative and qualitative data on student performance, analyze trends, and adjust instructional practices to maximize student outcomes.
- Professional Documentation – Keep meticulous records of attendance, lesson plans, evaluation reports, and communication logs in accordance with district and state requirements.
- Community Outreach – Participate in school‑wide initiatives, professional development workshops, and community events that advance early‑intervention best practices.
Essential Qualifications
- Valid Pennsylvania certification in Special Education (Grades N‑12) or Special Education PK‑8.
- Demonstrated experience working with preschool‑aged children on the autism spectrum, preferably within an early‑intervention framework.
- Current Pennsylvania Child Abuse Registry clearance, criminal background check, and FBI fingerprinting clearance.
- Strong knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state-specific special‑education statutes.
- Effective communication skills—both oral and written—to convey complex information to families, colleagues, and administrators.
Preferred Qualifications
- Early Childhood certification (Grades N‑3/Pre‑K‑4) or a related coursework focus.
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
- Experience with assistive technology, augmentative communication devices, or other autism‑specific instructional tools.
- Professional training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or a related behavior‑intervention model.
- Prior involvement with case‑management processes, including IEP meetings, evaluation cycles, and transition planning.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Instructional Design: Ability to craft differentiated lessons that meet diverse learning styles and developmental levels.
- Analytical Thinking: Skilled at interpreting assessment data to inform instructional adjustments.
- Collaboration: Comfortable working within a multidisciplinary team, valuing each professional’s expertise.
- Empathy & Patience: A deep commitment to fostering trust and rapport with young learners and their families.
- Organizational Excellence: Proficient in managing multiple documentation streams, deadlines, and classroom logistics.
- Technology Fluency: Familiarity with electronic record‑keeping systems (e.g., PowerSchool, Frontline), virtual communication platforms, and instructional software.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in evolving educational environments and respond to emergent student needs.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
MCIU is dedicated to the professional development of every staff member. As a long‑term substitute, you will have access to a robust catalog of workshops, webinars, and certification courses covering topics such as advanced autism interventions, early literacy, and leadership pathways. Participation in the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s professional learning communities, as well as internal mentorship programs, positions you for future roles in curriculum leadership, special‑education coordination, or district‑wide instructional design. Many of our educators transition from substitute roles to permanent, tenured positions within the unit or partner school districts, leveraging the experience gained during this appointment.
Work Environment & Culture
While the primary classroom setting is located at Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, PA, MCIU supports a flexible, hybrid work model that accommodates remote planning, professional collaboration, and documentation tasks. Our state‑of‑the‑art facilities include sensory‑friendly classrooms, adaptive equipment, and quiet workspaces for individualized instruction. The culture at MCIU emphasizes inclusivity, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to student success. You will join a team of passionate educators, therapists, and administrators who celebrate diversity, champion innovative practices, and recognize each other's contributions.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
MCIU offers a competitive salary scale that reflects your education level and experience. As of the 2023‑2024 fiscal year, the base salary starts at $51,872 for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree (Step 1) and $62,882 for those with a master’s degree (Step 1). Salary placement is adjusted upward for additional experience, advanced certifications, or specialized training. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Health, dental, vision, and prescription‑drug coverage.
- Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
- Participation in the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) with employer contributions.
- Paid time off—including vacation, sick leave, and professional‑development days.
- Tuition reimbursement for graduate‑level coursework and certification programs.
- Eligibility for federal student‑loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
- Access to employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and employee discount portals.
How to Apply
Ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners? Submit your application online using the Job ID 1171 at the MCIU careers portal. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, please contact our Human Resources Office at 610‑755‑9307 or email [email protected]. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity in all its forms; candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Join Us – Shape the Future of Early Childhood Education
If you are a dedicated, compassionate educator seeking a rewarding role that blends classroom instruction, family partnership, and interdisciplinary teamwork, we encourage you to apply today. At Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 23, you will help lay the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and independence for children with autism and their families. Let your expertise shine and grow alongside a supportive, visionary community. We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming you to our team!
Ready to Apply?
Take the next step in your professional journey—click the link below to submit your candidacy. We can’t wait to meet the talent that will help us continue our tradition of excellence in early‑intervention education.
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