Special Education Autistic Support Teacher (Low-Verbal / AAC Focus)

West Oak Lane Charter School; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% fully paid medical, vision and/or

Job summary

West Oak Lane Charter School in Philadelphia is seeking an Autistic Support Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year to provide specialized instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder, including those with limited verbal communication, using AAC systems and IEPs.

The role emphasizes collaboration with related service providers, paraprofessionals, and families to support progress in academic, behavioral, and life skills, while implementing ABI strategies and toileting/self-care routines

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field.
• Valid Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification.
• Experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly minimally verbal.
• Experience with AAC devices and communication systems preferred.
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and data collection methods.
• Strong understanding of autism-specific instructional strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs aligned with state standards and student-specific needs.
• Provide direct, individualized, and small-group instruction in communication and functional academics.
• Implement and support use of AAC devices across settings.
• Collaborate with Speech-Language Pathologists to ensure consistent programming and use of communication systems.
• Model and reinforce functional communication throughout the school day.
• Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans and behavior intervention strategies.
• Use de-escalation techniques and proactive supports to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Teach replacement behaviors and social communication skills.
• Implement individualized toileting plans with dignity and respect for each student; support independence in self-care routines.

Skills

IEP development

Collaboration

Communication

De-escalation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Special Education

Tools

AAC devices

Job description

West Oak Lane Charter School is looking for an Autistic Support Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.

Up to $10,000 sign on bonus with appropriate certification

Position Summary

The Autistic Support Teacher provides specialized instruction to students with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrate limited verbal communication and require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The teacher is responsible for implementing individualized education programs (IEPs), supporting functional communication, and addressing adaptive skills including toileting, self-care, and independence. This role requires strong collaboration with related service providers, paraprofessionals, and families to ensure student growth across academic, behavioral, and life skills domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs aligned with Pennsylvania state standards and student-specific needs
• Provide direct, individualized, and small-group instruction in communication, functional academics, and adaptive skills
• Implement and support use of AAC devices (e.g., speech-generating devices) across settings
• Collaborate with Speech-Language Pathologists to ensure consistent programming and use of communication systems
• Model and reinforce functional communication throughout the school day
• Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) and behavior intervention strategies
• Use de-escalation techniques and proactive supports to maintain a safe learning environment
• Teach replacement behaviors and social communication skills
• Implement individualized toileting plans with dignity and respect for each student . Support students in developing independence in self-care routines (e.g., handwashing, dressing)

Collaboration & Team Leadership

• Supervise and support paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom
• Provide clear direction, modeling, and feedback to support staff
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members (SLP, OT, BCBA, school psychologist, etc.)
• Maintain regular communication with families regarding student progress

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student progress, IEP goals, and behavior data
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Chapter 14 regulations, and district policies

Participate in IEP meetings, reevaluations, and required reporting

Requirements

• Bachelor?s or Master?s Degree in Special Education or related field
• Valid Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certification
• Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly those who are minimally verbal
• Experience with AAC devices and communication systems preferred
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and data collection methods
• Strong understanding of autism-specific instructional strategies

Benefits

100% fully paid medical, vision and dental benefits Tuition reimbursement 7.5% 403b retirement match Enjoy a supportive family atmosphere