Certified Special Education Teacher; Issaquah, WA

Certified Special Education Teacher (Issaquah, WA)

Gersh Autism empowers students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. For over 30 years the organization provides personalized K‑12 education to students aged 5‑21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, supported by therapeutic services such as speech, physical, occupational therapy and vocational training for older students. The team collaborates with families to support academic, social and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

Gersh Autism Academy at Cougar Mountain in Issaquah is seeking a dedicated Certified Special Education Teacher to serve as Primary Educator. Class sizes are 6‑8 students, allowing for a highly personalized learning experience. The role requires daily instruction and communication with parents and students in a school setting. Gersh operates a year‑round program.

• Lead daily instructional programs to drive superior student achievement.
• Communicate and interface with parents/caretakers to ensure successful participation.
• Access and apply trainings on specialized software, digital platforms and other instructional tools.
• Use motivational strategies to engage students and encourage independent learning.
• Prepare daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with each student’s IEP goals.
• Record daily attendance and note start/end times of classroom instruction.
• Complete required daily session notes documenting objectives, activities and measurable outcomes.
• Participate in all CSE/IEP meetings as needed and update IEPs/goals.
• Coach and mentor parents to support their child’s daily learning.
• Prepare resources, lesson plans and materials.
• Monitor and document student participation.
• Communicate daily progress and roadblocks to supervisor and/or BCBA.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

• Keep students safe from themselves and others; may need to implement CPI procedures.
• Remove yourself from potentially harmful situations; lift a child if needed.
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday.
• Lift 50–65 pounds and physically support students of varying sizes.
• Physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training).
• Remove yourself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly.
• Maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high‑stimulation environment.
• Multi‑task and shift priorities quickly.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision‑making in high‑pressure or safety‑sensitive situations.
• Work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships.
• Perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations.

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

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

Pay range: $81,000 – $83,500 per year (Cougar Mountain). Salary is based on education, certification and years of experience. The range posted is for a WA Residency Certified Teacher. WA Emergency Teacher Certification and WA Substitute Teacher Certification will also be considered (Salary range $68,000‑$69,000).