Special Education Teacher-Autism Level III

Jackson County Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Autism Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across a continuum of needs. This position delivers high-quality instruction aligned to IEPs, supports academics, communication, behavior regulation, and collaborates with general education staff, related services, and families.

The district's Level III autism needs may shift; teachers may serve different populations in future years.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or related field.
• Eligible to hold GaPSC issued teaching certificate in Field 805: Special Education Adaptive Curriculum.
• Experience in public school district and self-contained adaptive classroom preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for students with Autism in alignment with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Provide instruction aligned to general education, access, or functional curriculum based on IEP team decisions.
• Adapt lessons using accommodations, modifications, visuals, assistive technology, and structured supports.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and administrators.
• Collect and analyze data to monitor progress and adjust instruction.

Skills

IEP implementation

Collaboration

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

GaPSC Certification: Field 805

Job description

Special Education Teacher-Autism Level III JobID: 2538

• Position Type: Teacher-Special Education/ Special Education Teacher-Autism
• Date Posted: 10/7/2026
• Location: North Jackson Elementary School
• Date Available: Upon Board Approval

Reports To:

Principal

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Calendar:

190 Days

Salary Schedule:

Certified Salary Schedule

Salary based on degree level and years of experience. Click HERE to view the JCSS Certified Teacher Salary Schedule.

Job Summary

The Autism Support Teacher provides specialized instruction and support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across a continuum of needs. This position may serve students in inclusive, co-taught, resource, specialized autism classrooms, or structured/self-contained settings depending on student needs. The teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction aligned to IEPs, supporting academic, communication, behavioral, and adaptive skill development, and collaborating with general education staff, related service providers, and families.

*The district currently has a need for a Level III Austism teacher, however, as enrollment varies teachers may be asked to serve different populations of students in future years.*

Level 3 – Significant/Intensive Support Needs (GAA / Structured Autism Program)

• Provide highly structured and individualized instruction.
• Teach functional academics, daily living skills, communication, and behavior regulation.
• Implement comprehensive behavior plans and individualized communication systems.
• Support students with intensive needs including sensory regulation, safety concerns, and medical considerations.

Instruction and IEP Implementation

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for students with Autism in alignment with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Provide instruction aligned to general education, access, or functional curriculum based on IEP team decisions.
• Adapt lessons using accommodations, modifications, visuals, assistive technology, and structured supports.
• Collect and analyze data to monitor progress and adjust instruction.

Behavior and Social-Emotional Support

• Implement behavior intervention plans with fidelity.
• Use proactive strategies including visuals, reinforcement systems, and structured routines.
• Support students in developing self-regulation and coping strategies.
• Maintain safe and supportive learning environments.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with general education teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and administrators.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and needs.
• Participate in IEP meetings, problem-solving teams, and professional learning communities.
• Provide guidance and training to paraprofessionals supporting students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or related field
• Eligible to hold a GaPSC issued teaching certificate in Field 805: Special Education Adaptive Curriculum

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Special Education or related field
• Hold a GaPSC issued teaching certificate in Field 805: Special Education Adaptive Curriculum
• Successful experience working in a public school district in an self-contained adaptive classroom

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a self-contained special education classroom and other school-based settings serving students with significant cognitive, physical, behavioral, and/or adaptive needs.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and transitioning between seated and standing positions.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or physically assist students and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance when appropriate.
• May be required to assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, toileting, feeding, hygiene, dressing, and other activities of daily living, consistent with student needs and assigned responsibilities.
• Must be able to respond quickly to student safety needs, including students who may fall, elope, become physically dysregulated, or require immediate physical assistance.
• May be required to implement approved crisis prevention, de-escalation, and physical restraint techniques in accordance with district procedures, training requirements, and applicable law.
• Requires the physical ability to safely participate in approved restraint or safety interventions, which may include standing, kneeling, maintaining a stable position, and assisting a student during a behavioral or safety crisis.
• May involve exposure to bodily fluids and requires adherence to universal precautions and established health and safety procedures.
• Requires sufficient visual and auditory ability to continuously monitor students, recognize safety concerns, and respond to verbal and nonverbal student communication.
• Requires frequent use of hands and arms for instructional activities, adaptive equipment, student assistance, documentation, and technology.
• May require use of specialized or adaptive equipment, including mobility devices, positioning equipment, communication devices, and other assistive technology.
• Requires the ability to work in an environment where students may exhibit challenging behaviors, including yelling, hitting, kicking, biting, scratching, throwing objects, or other behaviors requiring trained intervention.
• Requires close collaboration with teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, nurses, administrators, families, and other service providers to meet students' instructional, behavioral, medical, and adaptive needs.
• Duties may require movement throughout the classroom, school building, playground, transportation areas, and other district facilities.

Selection Proceedures

Thank you for your interest in joining Jackson County Schools. Our selection process ensures that we identify the most qualified candidates for our team. Hiring Managers will prioritize candidates who meet both the preferred and minimum qualifications for each position and will select individuals for interviews as positions become available.

Due to the volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application or interview status cannot be provided in writing, over the phone, or in person. All applicants who submit a complete application package will be considered but may not necessarily receive notification or an interview. The job posting may be subject to being closed at any time without notice. Only those qualified candidates who are selected for an interview shall receive notification upon the filling of this vacancy.

Notice

The Jackson County School System is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.The Jackson County School System is a drug-free workplace. A background check will be completed upon hire, which may consist of any or all of the following: criminal and employment histories, credit history (as applicable to the position), education credentials, and motor vehicle driving records.