Elementary Autism Special Education Teacher

Uncommon Schools, Inc.; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Uncommon Schools is seeking an Elementary Autism Special Education Teacher dedicated to serving students with Autism. This vital role includes developing individual instruction, collaborating with support staff, and ensuring academic and social success for each student. We offer competitive pay, extensive training, and a supportive work environment focused on the growth of both students and educators.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive health insurance

Extensive training and development

Paid leave of absence options

Mental health and counseling support

Qualifications

• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing special education
• Experience working with students on the Autism Spectrum
• Self-motivated and team player

Responsibilities

• Create a structured learning environment to meet IEP goals
• Design and implement curricula and assessments
• Engage families and communicate effectively with stakeholders

Skills

Drive to improve lives

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification

Job description

Elementary Autism Special Education Teacher

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

The Autism Special Education Classroom Teacher is passionate about assisting in the development of individual and small group instruction to meet the unique needs of Autistic students. The Special Education Autism Classroom Teacher holds primary responsibility for providing academic services and collaborating with related service providers for students who require a specialized self-contained program to thrive academically, behaviorally, and socially.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students, both in and out of school
• Show unwavering commitment to urban youth with disabilities achieving greatness
• Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students are continuously progressing towards their IEP goals
• Design and implement curricula and activities that meet the needs of the students in the special education program and to meet individualized academic standards
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
• Provide individualized and consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior to ensure that students observe the individual behavior plans and goals for each student
• Be accountable for students' mastery of goals as outlined in their Individualized Education Programs
• Share responsibility for school-wide activities
• Exhibit resilience to persevere and turn challenges into opportunities
• Focus constantly on student learning, thinking critically and strategically to respond to students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral needs
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Engage families in their children's education through frequent contact
• Commit to continual professional growth, participating actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and other meetings
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training
• Mentor and engage the classroom paraprofessional(s) in instructional practice and professional development
• Include the classroom paraprofessional(s) in daily classroom activities to help students meet academic standards
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture
• Build professional relationships and collaborate with the Child Study Team Supervisor, members of the Child Study Team, Principal, Dean of Students, Program Director, Case Manager, and other school staff to maximize the ability of Uncommon Schools to support students’ development
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Qualifications

• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing special education
• Experience working with students on the Autism Spectrum
• Effective problem-solving, human relations, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills; extremely careful attention to detail and follow-through
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable
• Experience working with and in urban schools is highly preferred
• Valid Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification required

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $60,000 to $85,000.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $60,000.

* The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2025-2026 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2025, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2025, for the next school year which aligns to the scale above.

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [e-mail].