Autistic Support Teacher

Job Summary: The Autistic Support Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering individualized, evidence-based instruction to students with disabilities. The teacher supports students in developing academic, social, communication, behavioral, and independent living skills aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), school goals, and transition plans. This position fosters a structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes independence, self-regulation, and meaningful participation across school and community settings.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based instructional programs aligned with students’ IEPs, school curriculum, and transition goals.
• Provide direct instruction in core academic areas, communication, social skills, behavior regulation, and daily living skills.
• Utilize specialized instructional strategies (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), TEACCH, structured teaching, visual supports) to meet diverse learning needs.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate a wide range of cognitive, sensory, communication, and behavioral needs.
• Integrate functional academics and real-world applications, including communication systems, daily routines, and community-based skills.
• Assess student progress through ongoing data collection, formative and summative assessments, and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Develop, implement, and monitor behavior intervention plans and positive behavior supports.
• Create and maintain a structured, predictable, and supportive classroom environment that minimizes sensory barriers and promotes engagement.
• Support the development of communication skills, including verbal communication, augmentative and alternative communication, and social interaction.
• Teach and reinforce social-emotional skills, self-advocacy, and appropriate behavior across settings.
• Collaborate with related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists, school psychologists) to support student development.
• Support students in achieving IEP goals, transition objectives, and independence in school, community, and post-secondary settings.
• Provide opportunities for inclusion and participation in general education settings when appropriate.
• Facilitate community-based instruction and real-life learning experiences to enhance independence and generalization of skills.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians, staff, and administrators regarding student progress and programming.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation, including IEPs, progress monitoring data, behavior data, and attendance records.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, professional development, and school activities.
• Train and supervise paraprofessionals and support staff in implementing instructional and behavioral strategies.
• Support extracurricular activities, transition programs, or community partnerships as assigned.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Pennsylvania Department of Education certification in Special Education PK-12, Special Education PK-8, or Special Education 7-12 required
• Submission of pre-employment medical examination
• Submission of the following clearances:
  • Pennsylvania State Criminal History Record
  • Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearances
  • Federal Background Check (Fingerprints)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable