Autistic Support Teacher (Self-Contained)

About the role

Wissahickon Charter School is seeking an Autistic Support Teacher for a self-contained classroom at our Fernhill Campus. The ideal candidate will have experience working with students with ASD in an urban school and will thrive in a collaborative work environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver functional academics, life skills, and communication training using evidence-based practices
• Implement BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans), utilizing positive behavior supports
• Supervise and coordinate daily tasks with paraprofessionals and classroom aides
• Partner with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and BCBAs to integrate related therapeutic goals into the daily classroom routine
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs that translate into measurable success for students
• Utilize evidence-based practices for students with autism, including visual supports, structured teaching, social skills instruction, and communication strategies
• Provide consultation and support to school staff regarding effective strategies for working with students with autism
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and educational planning sessions
• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress, achievements, and concerns
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Special Education, grade teams, teaching assistants, and other staff to support student growth
• Foster the development of social, emotional, self-regulation, and independent living skills
• Teach and reinforce appropriate social interactions, communication skills, and self-advocacy
• Establish and maintain relationships with families through regular communication, updates, and opportunities for involvement
• Collect and analyze student performance data to guide instruction and monitor progress toward IEP goals
• Exemplify WCS' CARES (Collaboration, Academic excellence, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-reflection) values in all interactions with students, families and colleagues
• Seek out and be receptive to feedback with the goal of improving instructional and culture-building skills
• Participate in all professional development, team planning, and data analysis meetings
• Assume other duties as assigned by the administrative team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Current or pending PA Special Education teacher certification required
• Experience teaching students with autism spectrum disorder and knowledge of child development, autism spectrum disorder, and special education practices
• Training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavior Supports (PBS), Structured Teaching, or related methodologies preferred
• Teaching experience in an urban setting
• Strong knowledge of instructional strategies for students with autism and the ability to work effectively with students exhibiting a wide range of academic, behavioral, and communication needs
• Instructional and classroom management skills, with a record of increasing academic and behavioral growth for students with special needs
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Flexible and able to adjust priorities and strategies in order to meet the changing needs of the team and of students
• High level of personal organization, planning, and follow-through and comfort with autonomy
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with students, families, supervisors and colleagues
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania and Common Core Standards
• Receptiveness to feedback, positive attitude, and a desire to continuously improve
• Belief in Wissahickon Charter Schools' mission and environmental education model, and the belief that all children can learn and succeed

Benefits

Wissahickon Charter School offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Pay

The salary for this position is $55,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

Contact Information

To be considered, visit our website at http://wissahickoncharter.org/join-our-team and click on the Apply Now button.

We are committed to hiring a diverse staff and encourage those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds to apply.