26-27 SY: Elementary School Special Education Teacher (Autistic Support)

Esperanza Academy Inc; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Esperanza Academy Inc. seeks a compassionate Elementary School Autistic Support Teacher to join our Special Education team in Philadelphia.

You will provide specialized instruction and individualized interventions for students with ASD, promoting academic, communication, and social-emotional growth. You will collaborate with families, general educators, and related service providers to implement IEPs and data-driven supports, fostering inclusive learning and meaningful participation in school

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education is required.
• PA Teaching Certification in Special Education (PK-12, PK-8, 7-12) or willingness to obtain.
• Experience teaching students with disabilities at the K-12 level is preferred but not required.
• Clearances: FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks within last 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver individualized, evidence-based instruction for elementary students with autism.
• Create a structured, predictable classroom that promotes engagement and independence.
• Utilize differentiated instructional strategies, visual supports, and structured teaching methods.
• Provide direct instruction integrating communication, social skills, and daily living skills as appropriate.
• Collaborate with families and support professionals to align services and progress.

Skills

Collaboration

Differentiated instruction

Classroom management

Communication with families

Data collection & progress monitoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

PA Teaching Certification in Special Education

Tools

Assistive technology

AAC systems

Job description

School:Esperanza Academy Charter School

Location:201 W. Hunting Park Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19140

ABOUT ESPERANZA ACADEMY

Esperanza means hope. Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), located in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia, is dedicated to serving the students within its community. We believe education can be a vehicle for social and economic advancement, especially in historically underserved communities. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area.

Our proven track record of academic success with historically underserved students sets us apart. The Academy has 11th-grade test scores above the city of Philadelphia average and value-added math and reading proficiency growth is among the highest in Pennsylvania. Students graduate at a rate exceeding 90% and drop out at only 1%. For 9 out of 11 years, the Academy has been awarded a silver or bronze medal rating in the US News ranking of Best High Schools in the country.

In the fall of 2025, we open a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K-12 program serving over 2,200 students. This growth will make Esperanza Academy the second-largest single charter school in Philadelphia, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education to even more students in our city.ed

THE OPPORTUNITY

At Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), we believe every student deserves an educational experience that recognizes their unique strengths, celebrates their individuality, and provides the support they need to thrive. We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and highly motivated Elementary School Autistic Support Teacher to join our Special Education team. This educator will provide specialized instruction, individualized interventions, and a structured, supportive learning environment for elementary students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

As an Autistic Support Teacher, you will play a vital role in helping students develop academic, communication, social-emotional, behavioral, and independent living skills. You will implement individualized educational strategies that promote student growth, independence, and meaningful participation in the school community.

The ideal candidate understands that every student with autism learns differently and is committed to using evidence-based instructional practices, positive behavioral supports, and differentiated teaching approaches to meet each student's unique needs.

You will collaborate closely with families, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and school leadership to ensure students receive comprehensive, individualized support.

We are committed to supporting and developing our teachers through meaningful professional growth opportunities, ongoing collaboration, and a school culture that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning.

This full‑time position for the 2026–2027 school year offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of elementary students while contributing to a diverse, mission‑driven school community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specialized Instruction & Student Development

• Develop and deliver individualized, evidence-based instruction tailored to the academic, communication, social-emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of elementary students with autism.
• Create and maintain a structured, predictable, and supportive classroom environment that promotes student engagement, independence, and success.
• Implement differentiated instructional strategies, visual supports, structured teaching methods, and hands‑on learning experiences to accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Provide direct instruction in academic subjects while integrating functional communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and daily living skills as appropriate to individual student needs.
• Utilize assistive technology, visual schedules, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and other individualized learning tools when appropriate.
• Support students in developing self‑advocacy, independence, and positive peer relationships.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that address each student's unique educational and developmental goals.
• Collaborate with IEP team members to establish measurable goals, appropriate accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports.
• Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals through ongoing assessments, observations, and data collection.
• Maintain accurate and timely IEP documentation, progress reports, and special education compliance records in accordance with federal, state, and school requirements.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary evaluations, and student support planning.

Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support

• Implement positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) to promote appropriate behavior, emotional regulation, and student independence.
• Collaborate with school psychologists, behavior specialists, and other related service providers to develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs), when applicable.
• Use proactive, evidence-based strategies to support students experiencing sensory, communication, behavioral, or emotional regulation challenges.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment that respects students' individual needs and promotes positive relationships.
• Teach and reinforce appropriate communication, coping strategies, social interactions, and problem‑solving skills.

Collaboration & Family Engagement

• Collaborate with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech‑language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and other support professionals to provide coordinated student services.
• Provide guidance and instructional support to classroom paraprofessionals to ensure consistent implementation of individualized student supports.
• Build strong, positive relationships with students and families through regular communication regarding student progress, achievements, and areas for growth.
• Partner with families to develop consistent strategies that support student learning and development across school and home environments.
• Participate in professional development opportunities focused on autism education, specialized instruction, behavioral supports, and inclusive teaching practices.

What you will bring:

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university. (Official transcripts showing the degree conferred are required before the starting date of employment.)
• PA Teaching Certification in Special Education (PK-12, PK-8, 7-12) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience teaching students with disabilities at the K-12 level is preferred but not required.
• Strong differentiation and classroom management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, families, and support staff.
• Experience integrating assistive technology and individualized learning tools is a plus.
• Clearances: All applicants must have current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks conducted within the last 12 months.

Follow Us:

To learn more about Esperanza Academy, please visit our website at https://www.esperanzaacademycs.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Esperanza Academy values diversity and seeks to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including but not limited to BIPOC educators, multilingual educators, and individuals committed to educational equity.

Esperanza Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Esperanza Academy are based on doing what is best for kids, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.