Substitute Teacher- Autism School

achievementcenters; Westlake (OH); On-site; USD 42,895 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Achievement Centers for Children located in Westlake, Ohio, is seeking a compassionate Substitute Teacher for its Autism School. This role involves providing direct classroom instruction and leadership during teacher absences while supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Qualified candidates need a Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant teaching experience. The position also requires a valid Ohio Substitute License or eligibility to obtain one shortly after hiring. Collaboration with classroom teams and following prescribed educational plans are key responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of teaching experience with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Valid Ohio Substitute License or eligibility to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction and classroom coverage during teacher absences.
• Lead classroom teams in implementing instructional programming.
• Develop and implement prescribed behavior support plans.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Ability to adapt

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Department: Education
Reports To: Principal of the Autism School
Classification: Exempt
Compensation: $42,895–$50,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience
Pay Schedule: Paid biweekly over 12 months
Anticipated Start Date: July 2026

Position Summary

Achievement Centers for Children is seeking a compassionate, adaptable, and skilled Substitute Teacher to support our Autism School. This role provides direct classroom instruction and leadership during teacher absences, ensuring continuity of learning, behavioral supports, and daily routines for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

The Substitute Teacher will implement individualized educational programming aligned with Ohio’s Extended Learning Standards and the Autism School’s Blended Method Model. The position leads classroom teams in delivering academic, social-emotional, communication, daily living, and behavioral supports that enable students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and communication challenges to participate fully in their educational program.

When not assigned to cover a specific classroom, the Substitute Teacher will provide instructional support across classrooms and may travel between Autism School locations as needed.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction and classroom coverage during teacher absences.
• Lead the classroom team in implementing instructional programming throughout the school day, including arrival and dismissal, academic instruction, social skills, daily living skills, lunch, rest periods, field trips, and other school activities.
• Implement individualized educational plans, instructional strategies, and evidence-based interventions consistent with each student’s needs.
• Develop and implement prescribed behavior support plans.
• Support students with personal hygiene routines and activities of daily living as needed.
• Follow prescribed medical plans and procedures after receiving appropriate training from a licensed healthcare professional.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and effective classroom environment.
• Lead classroom setup, preparation, cleanup, and organization before and after student programming.
• Ensure classroom equipment, instructional materials, technology, and assistive communication devices are used appropriately and maintained in good condition.
• Complete required classroom documentation, clerical tasks, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Model professionalism, positive attitudes, appropriate communication, and a strong work ethic for students and staff.
• Participate in Autism School staff meetings, trainings, professional development, and required agency education.
• Collaborate effectively with classroom staff, families, interdisciplinary team members, and school leadership.
• Provide instructional and classroom support in assigned classrooms when not serving as a substitute teacher.
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by following infection-control procedures, universal precautions, agency policies, and Ohio Department of Education requirements.
• Represent the Autism School, Education Department, and Achievement Centers for Children in a professional, courteous, and family-centered manner.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two or more years of teaching experience in a classroom setting serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other significant special education needs.
• Valid Ohio Substitute License or eligibility to obtain a Substitute License within 30 days of hire.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and classroom-management skills.
• Ability to lead and work effectively with classroom teams.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing classroom assignments, student needs, and daily responsibilities.
• Ability to work with children, families, and colleagues in a patient, respectful, enthusiastic, and supportive manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of teaching experience in a Multiple Handicapped classroom or specialized classroom serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Training and experience in two or more methodologies incorporated into the ACC Autism School Model, including TEACCH, Applied Behavior Analysis, PECS, Social Narratives, and DIR/Floortime.

Physical and Working Requirements

• Ability to lift or assist students weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to participate in physical interventions when necessary and in accordance with Crisis Prevention Intervention training.
• Ability to work on the floor and use child-sized classroom equipment.
• Ability to observe, hear, communicate with, and respond to students in a variety of educational settings.
• Ability to support students using assistive communication devices.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability and willingness to transport students in agency vehicles after completing required training and credentialing.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license, reliable transportation, acceptable driving record, and auto insurance as required by law when driving is required for the position.

About Achievement Centers for Children

Achievement Centers for Children is dedicated to empowering children and adults with disabilities and their families to achieve their greatest potential. Our Autism School provides individualized educational programming designed to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and communication challenges in building academic, social, behavioral, and life skills.

Achievement Centers for Children is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.