Certified Special Education Teacher (Issaquah, WA)

About the role

Gersh Autism Academy at Cougar Mountain is seeking a dedicated Certified Special Education Teacher to serve as the Primary Educator for our students. The position involves leading daily instructional programs, communicating with parents, and providing daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily instructional programs to drive superior student achievement through in-school instruction.
• Communicate and interface with parents/caretakers to ensure their child’s successful participation.
• Access trainings to become familiar with specific software programs and tools used to instruct students and be prepared to utilize digital platforms and tools when applicable.
• Use motivational skills and strategies to encourage students to learn and keep them engaged in their own education via resources that are appropriate to use as teaching tools.
• Provide daily and weekly lesson plans that align with each student’s IEP goals.
• Record daily attendance that will indicate the date, start and end times of classroom instruction.
• Complete required daily session notes that document the implementation of the daily lesson plan which includes the objective, activity, and measurable outcome.
• Participate in all CSE/IEP meetings as needed.
• Update IEPs/goals as needed.
• Coach and mentor parents to assist and support their child in their daily learning.
• Prepare resources, lesson plans, and materials.
• Monitor and document student participation.
• Communicate daily progress and roadblocks to direct supervisor and/or BCBA.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (required), Master’s Degree (preferred)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Special Education (preferred)
• Residency Teacher certification in WA (required)
• Special Education endorsement preferred
• Experience working with students with ADHD, LD, HFA and other related disabilities (preferred)
• Experience using Applied Behavioral Analysis (preferred)
• Experience in assessment and report writing (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50–65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Working Conditions

• Location: Issaquah, WA
• Monday – Friday / 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM
• Occasional before and after school work hours at the discretion of the Administrative staff
• School / Classroom setting

Benefits for Full Time Employees

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

Pay Range

81,000 - 83,500 USD per year (Cougar Mountain)