Special Education Teacher (West Hempstead)

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom. At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.

About the role

Gersh Academy, located in West Hempstead, NY, is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to serve as the Primary Educator for our students in a year-round school program.

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; utilize digital platforms and tools when applicable.
• Use motivational skills and strategies to encourage students to learn and keep them engaged using appropriate teaching resources.
• Provide daily and weekly lesson plans that align with each student’s IEP goals.
• Record daily attendance, indicating the date, start and end times of classroom instruction.
• Complete required daily session notes documenting the implementation of the daily lesson plan, including 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 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master's preferred) in education, special education, or related field, or professional certification required.
• NY State Teaching Certification required.
• 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 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.

Schedule

• Monday – Friday / 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (and once a week until 4:00 PM for a team meeting).
• Occasional before and after school work hours at the discretion of the Administrative staff.
• 12-month school program.

Benefits

• 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

The pay range for this role is $62,400 - $93,000 USD per year, based on education, certifications, and years of experience.