(1.0) Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher

Livonia Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Livonia Public Schools is seeking an Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher to work with students and teams to enhance learning for those affected by autism. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in special education and a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in autism spectrum disorder. Key responsibilities include developing lesson plans, providing individualized instruction, and collaborating with parents and staff to create a positive learning environment. The role offers competitive benefits including medical insurance and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in special education.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in autism spectrum disorder.
• Passionate commitment to improving learning for all students.

Responsibilities

• Champion the District’s mission and vision.
• Create a welcoming, engaging classroom climate.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction.

Skills

Individualizing instruction

Establishing positive working relationships

Verbal and written communication

Knowledge of positive behavioral supports

Experience with MTSS framework

Education

Bachelor’s degree in special education

Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate

Job description

POSITION

Livonia Public Schools is seeking an Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher. The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Teacher's major responsibility within Western Wayne County is to work directly with students, parents, teachers, and other resource personnel to screen, assess and intervene to assist school teams in determining appropriate options for students with or suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder.

DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,800 staff members, serving approximately 13,100 students pre‑K – post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center and 1 vocational and transition center in the School District. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $180 million, with a state funding of $10,000 per pupil.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Newly hired employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax‑deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public‑school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), a portable, tax‑deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.

Other benefits include:

• Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage (maximum allowed by Michigan law). Family coverage for employees working 30+ hours per week, single coverage for employees working 20–29 hours per week, optional cash‑in‑lieu for qualifying employees.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance (district pays 100% of the premium for all employees).
• Long‑term disability coverage (district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20+ hours per week).
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling services available 7 days a week, no cost).
• Longevity pay.
• Paid "act of God" days such as snow days.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in special education.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in autism spectrum disorder.
• Applicants able to be temporarily approved while enrolled in a university training program for teachers of students with autism spectrum disorder and demonstrating commitment to securing full certification ASAP.
• Passionate commitment to improving learning for all students.
• Skills in individualizing instruction.
• Evidence of ability to establish positive working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral supports and interventions.
• Experience implementing a Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework preferred.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The special education teacher is assigned to the Department of Student Services, responsible for the system‑wide program for students with disabilities. After assignment to a building, the teacher reports directly to the principal and student services coordinator.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Champion the District’s mission, vision, and commitments, placing the needs of children and their education first.
• Create a welcoming, engaging, and positive classroom climate and culture.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials; provide individualized and small‑group instruction to adapt the curriculum to student needs.
• Evaluate students using formal and informal assessment procedures to assess strengths and challenges.
• Use appropriate motivational and classroom/behavior management strategies for students with autism spectrum disorder.
• Provide classroom instruction in skill areas such as self‑care, activities of daily living, social/emotional development, leisure time, personal adjustment, and work skills.
• Implement daily activities consistent with developmental needs.
• Initiate and maintain effective parent and community relationships.
• Utilize a working knowledge of current special education evidence‑based practices.
• Develop and provide functional communication systems and assistive technology expertise for students.
• Assist in developing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and ensure implementation, data collection, and plan review.
• Prepare progress reports and yearly evaluations; monitor and communicate IEP goal progress.
• Facilitate the collaborative development of student‑centered IEPs.
• Adapt curriculum, instruction, and lessons for individualized, small‑group, and whole‑group instruction.
• Provide opportunities for students to explore life and career goals.
• Maintain student records per school, district, state, and federal guidelines.
• Actively participate in and contribute to professional learning teams.
• Establish and teach expectations for student behavior to create a safe, respectful classroom environment.
• Identify student needs and collaborate with other staff in assessment and assistance.
• Communicate with students, parents, and school staff about student progress.
• Administer and monitor IEP accommodations and progress monitoring.
• Provide supervision and oversight to classroom staff and students during the assigned workday.
• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the Livonia Education Association. This posting will remain open until May 8, 2026 or until a qualified candidate is selected.

APPLICATIONS

All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack accessed via the Livonia Public Schools website. Additionally, applicants must upload: Letter of Interest; Professional Resume; Copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates); Three current letters of recommendation.

EEO STATEMENT

Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability. For inquiries or grievances regarding discrimination on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, contact the Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 (734) 744‑2566. For discrimination based on handicap or disability, contact the Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 4815.