Teacher - Special Education - Autism Day Program

Chesterfield County Public Schools; South Australia; On-site; AUD 60,207 - 91,431; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wide variety of benefits based on employment status

Job summary

A public school division in South Australia is seeking a dedicated educator for their Autism Day Program, aimed at better supporting students with autism. The ideal candidate will implement specialized instruction, develop IEPs, and work collaboratively with a team of professionals. A Bachelor's degree and eligibility for a teaching license in Special Education are required. This position offers a salary ranging from $60,207.25 to $91,431.31, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of teaching methodologies specific to autism.
• Ability to develop IEPs through online systems.
• Experience in special education is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver personalized instruction for students with autism.
• Consult with staff regarding student eligibility and placement.
• Document and communicate student progress effectively.

Skills

Instructional strategies for autism

Behavioral communication strategies

Curriculum knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Virginia Collegiate Professional teaching license (endorsement in Special Education)

Job description

General Description

This is for the 2026-2027 school year. The Autism Day Program is designed for students who need more intensive autism supports and services than provided by their home school or catchment autism program. Students may have communication and behavioral deficits requiring intensive strategies to improve overall progress. Teachers will be trained in the STAR method, an Applied Behavioral Analysis program utilizing discrete trial, pivotal response and picture exchange communication methods. Each classroom uses Teachtown, a computer program addressing academic needs. Must be adept in organizing and implementing the STAR strategies and other best practices for students with autism in a center‑based approach.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, delivers and evaluates instruction based upon specific standards and objectives established by Chesterfield County Public Schools and as indicated in the student's Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
• Completes required training as well as performs other best practices in providing consistency through autism classrooms in the school division.
• Applies knowledge of curriculum and specialized instructional strategies to improve student performance with regard to standard‑based assessments.
• Performs instruction in compliance with instructional program guidelines and legal requirements of IDEA and Federal regulations.
• Assesses student's learning on an ongoing basis and alters instruction to meet group and individual needs.
• Consults with teachers, administrators, related services providers and instructional/health specialists to determine individual student eligibility and classroom placement and to evaluate student progress.
• Documents and evaluates student progress. Communicates progress frequently, thoroughly and effectively with parents through multiple channels as needed.
• Provides supervision and work direction to instructional assistants.
• Maintains order within the classroom in accordance with division guidelines regarding student behavior management.
• Supervises students during non‑classroom time (lunch, fire drills, etc.).
• Writes effective, instructionally sound standards‑based Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) attuned to the individual needs of students with autism in compliance with division procedures and VDOE regulations.
• Demonstrates commitment to improving professional competence.
• Performs other duties as required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, manipulate or handle controls, objects and/or other materials; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop and kneel. May be required to use verbal, non‑verbal and physical crisis prevention/intervention. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds and assist students with toileting and personal hygiene issues.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a public school. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Qualifications

Working knowledge of the concepts, principles and methodologies of instruction, learning theory and teaching methodologies for special education students and specific to students with autism and behavioral, social and communication strategies for individuals with autism. Demonstrated ability to identify students appropriate for special education programs; develop instructional goals for students within special education programs; design and deliver instruction and assess student's learning; develop IEP’s through online systems and to generate and access data through online sources and the student record. Demonstrated ability in decision making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships and planning. Requires handling of sensitive information and/or dealing tactfully with others. Requires knowledge of the characteristics of Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism and be familiarity with Applied Behavioral Analysis utilizing discrete trial, pivotal response, functional routines and picture exchange communication methods.

Additional Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Eligibility for Virginia Collegiate Professional teaching license, with an endorsement in Special Education.

Preferred

Experience teaching special education students is preferred.

Background Check Requirements

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation
• State Police Criminal History Investigation
• Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation
• Tuberculosis Screening/Test

Compensation

$60,207.25 - $91,431.31

Hours Per Day

8.75

Days Per Year

200

Benefits

Chesterfield County Public Schools offers a wide variety of benefits to employees. Benefit offerings may differ based upon full‑time and part‑time employee status.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chesterfield County Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities for employees as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all‑inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position and does not imply an employment contract.