Teacher- Special Education Day Program - Autism

Job Description

This is for the 2026-2027 school year. 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.

• 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.
• Affords assessments of 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.
• 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.