Elementary Autism Special Education Teacher

Uncommonschools; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools seeks an Elementary Autism Special Education Teacher to support Autistic students' academic, behavioral, and social development. The role involves creating tailored instruction, collaborating with staff, and ensuring student progress towards IEP goals. Join a dedicated team committed to educational excellence and equity.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Extensive training and development opportunities

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid leave options

Mental health and counseling support

Qualifications

• Experience working with students on the Autism Spectrum.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing special education.
• Experience working in urban schools is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive, structured learning environment for students.
• Design and implement curricula and assessments for special education.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

Skills

Self-motivation

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification

Job description

Elementary Autism Special Education Teacher

Full-time

Hiring Start Time: RY 25-26

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

1. Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students, both in and out of school
2. Show unwavering commitment to urban youth with disabilities achieving greatness
3. Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students are continuously progressing towards their IEP goals
4. Design and implement curricula and activities that meet the needs of the students in the special education program and to meet individualized academic standards
5. Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards
6. Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
7. 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
8. Be accountable for students' mastery of goals as outlined in their Individualized Education Programs
9. Share responsibility for school-wide activities
10. Exhibit resilience to persevere and turn challenges into opportunities
11. Focus constantly on student learning, thinking critically and strategically to respond to students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral needs
12. Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
13. Engage families in their children's education through frequent contact
14. Commit to continual professional growth, participating actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and other meetings
15. Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training
16. Mentor and engage the classroom paraprofessional(s) in instructional practice and professional development
17. Include the classroom paraprofessional(s) in daily classroom activities to help students meet academic standards
18. Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture
19. 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
20. 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 scales. New hires in this category will see an increase starting July 1st, 2025, aligning with the scale above.

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

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please email [emailprotected].