Teacher - Special Education Day Program - Autism

Chesterfield County Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield County Public Schools seeks a qualified special education teacher for the Autism Day Program to deliver intensive instruction for students with autism, using STAR and related communication methods. This center-based program emphasizes data-driven planning and collaboration with families and support staff.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and Virginia teaching license with Special Education endorsement; experience with IEPs, behavioral strategies, and crisis prevention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Virginia teaching license with Special Education endorsement.
• Knowledge of autism instruction methods and IEP processes.
• Ability to apply data-driven decisions and collaborate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate instruction aligned to IEPs.
• Complete required training and implement STAR strategies.
• Assess student progress and adjust instruction.
• Communicate progress with parents via multiple channels.
• Supervise instructional assistants and maintain classroom order.

Skills

IEP planning

Autism strategies

Collaboration

Behavior management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Virginia teaching license

Endorsement in Special Education

Tools

IEP platforms

Data tracking systems

Job description

General Description

The Autism Day Program is designed for students who need more intensive autism supports and services than provided by their home school or catchment autism program. Students may have communication and behavioral deficits requiring intensive strategies to improve overall progress. Teachers will be trained in the STAR method, an Applied Behavioral Analysis program utilizing, discrete trial, pivotal response and picture exchange communication methods. Each classroom uses Teachtown, a computer program addressing academic needs. Must be adept in organizing and implementing the STAR strategies and other best practices for students with autism in a center based approach.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, delivers and evaluates instruction based upon specific standards and objectives established by Chesterfield County Public Schools and as indicated in the student's Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
• Completes required training as well as performs other best practices in providing consistency through autism classrooms in the school division.
• Applies knowledge of curriculum and specialized instructional strategies to improve student performance with regard to standard-based assessments.
• Performs instruction in compliance with instructional program guidelines and legal requirements of IDEA and Federal regulations.
• Assesses student's learning on an ongoing basis and alters instruction to meet group and individual needs.
• Consults with teachers, administrators, related services providers and instructional/health specialists to determine individual student eligibility and classroom placement and to evaluate student progress.
• Documents and evaluates student progress.
• Communicates progress frequently, thoroughly and effectively with parents multiple channels as needed.
• Provides supervision and work direction to instructional assistants.
• Maintains order within the classroom in accordance with division guidelines regarding student behavior management.
• Supervises students during non-classroom time (lunch, fire drills, etc.).
• Writes effective, instructionally sound standards-based Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) attuned to the individual needs of students with autism in compliance with division procedures and VDOE regulations.
• Demonstrates commitment to improving professional competence.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the concepts, principles and methodologies of instruction, learning theory and teaching methodologies for special education students and specific to students with autism and behavioral, social and communication strategies for individuals with autism.
• Demonstrated ability to: identify students appropriate for special education programs; develop instructional goals for students within special education programs; design and deliver instruction and assess student's learning; develop IEP’s through online systems and to generate and access data through online sources and the student record.
• Demonstrated ability in decision making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships and planning.
• Requires handling of sensitive information and/or dealing tactfully with others.
• Requires knowledge of the characteristics of Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism and be familiarity with Applied Behavioral Analysis utilizing, discrete trial, pivotal response, functional routines and picture exchange communication methods.

Additional Job Requirements

• Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Eligibility for Virginia Collegiate Professional teaching license, with an endorsement in Special Education.
• Preferred: Experience teaching special education students is preferred.
• Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation State Police Criminal History Investigation Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation Tuberculosis Screening/Test

Compensation and Hours

Compensation $55,046.62 - $83,594.34

Hours Per Day 8 Days Per Year 200

Benefits

Chesterfield County Public Schools offers a wide variety of benefits to employees. Benefit offerings may differ based upon full-time and part-time employee status.

Equity and Inclusion

Chesterfield County Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities for employees as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, manipulate or handle controls, objects and or other materials; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop and kneel. May be required to use verbal, non-verbal and physical crisis prevention/intervention. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds and assist students with toileting and personal hygiene issues. Work is performed in a public school. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Company Culture

As one of the largest and most innovative school divisions in the nation, Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to creating a better tomorrow through authentic and captivating learning experiences. With work guided by the values of equity, integrity, teamwork and ingenuity, we believe that a better tomorrow is created one student at a time. Through our strategic plan, Imagine Tomorrow, our focus is to create an infinite learner mindset while encouraging students and staff to exemplify personal responsibility and supportive relationships.

We think our schools are pretty amazing, but we aren’t the only ones. Our award-winning school division – which includes six National Blue Ribbon Schools, seven National Title I Distinguished Schools and six Middle Schools to Watch – is often cited as the reason people choose to live and work here. Educators from outside of our school division routinely visit our nationally-recognized schools to learn more about what we are doing, how we are doing it and why we are doing it. Our outstanding teachers, support staff members and leaders are top-notch educators whom others seek to emulate, and quite simply – we would like for you to consider joining us.

You have a choice to make, and we would like for you to choose Chesterfield.