The Special Education Art Teacher is responsible for creating and delivering engaging, inclusive art instruction for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role requires a creative, compassionate educator who can adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse learning styles and foster self-expression and a lifelong love of art. This position also involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to enhance the educational experience and ensure a supportive environment for students of varying abilities.

What you’ll bring:

• A passion for inspiring creativity and fostering self-expression in students.
• Strong knowledge of art techniques, materials, and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment.

A typical day-to-day may include:

• Planning and delivering art lessons that align with Alternate State Standards and accommodate diverse learning needs.
• Using hands-on activities, sensory experiences, and technology to engage students.
• Creating a safe, inclusive classroom that encourages creativity and self-expression.
• Supervising classroom personnel and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team.
• Serving as a substitute Special Education classroom teacher as needed, including implementing IEPs and documenting progress.
• Building strong relationships with students and families to foster a supportive learning environment.
• Organizing art supplies, managing a budget, and maintaining the art room as a creative resource.
• Submitting student artwork for community shows and planning the annual BNI art show.
• Participating in staff meetings, training sessions, and in-service programs to stay current with best practices.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education; certification/degree in Art Instruction preferred.
• Pennsylvania Certification in Special Education.
• Experience or interest in integrating art instruction into special education settings.

Perks with a Purpose
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare
• Highmark Medical and Mental Health
• Free Delta Dental Coverage
• Free Davis Vision Coverage
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

• Teladoc Virtual Health
Financial Well-being
• 401K Retirement Savings option
• On-Demand Pay
• Employee Referral Bonus program
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts
• Employee Discounts
Life & Family Support
• Free Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• LifeSolutions Employee Assistance Program
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
• Employee discounts for select events and services

Who is Barber National Institute?

The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6, 200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.