Autism Spectrum Disorder; ASD Program Teacher

SUMMARY

The successful candidate will carry the responsibility of educating children in grades 5-8 who are found eligible for special education service under the area of ASD. They will work with the IEP, or Individualized Educational Plan, that outlines the necessary supports, accommodations, and goals for each individual child. These goals can encompass both academic and behavioral concerns. They will direct meetings with parents and staff regarding the plan and make necessary adjustments throughout the year.

In the classroom, they work independently or collaboratively with regular education teachers to support student achievement of the curricular standards and expectations.

• Assist with and/or design, modify and deliver instruction, both individually and in small groups, which parallels the general education curriculum according to the student’s academic and behavioral needs, including positive behavior interventions and behavior intervention plans.
• Work with the IEP Team to identify specific student needs, plan and carry out individualized programs.
• Ability to work in regular collaboration with a team of professionals, to give and receive feedback.
• Establish and maintain appropriate record keeping on students’ progress including lesson plans, report cards, educational records, behavioral data, IEPC forms, classroom observation records, and other forms, while serving as a source of information and support.
• Plan and carry out classroom activities, social skills programs/training, community based instruction and other related educational experiences.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress based on formal and informal assessment activities/measurements and observation, determine goals, objectives and directions.
• Administer testing evaluations.
• Conduct parent/teacher conferences.
• Participate and/or coordinate IEPT and other meetings as requested/required.
• Maintain a professional attitude at all times, including contact with students, parents, administration and other district staff.
• Maintain the physical environment of the classroom for organization and presentation purposes.
• Participate in weekly building Special Education committee meetings.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Build trust and confidence with students.
• Ability to work well with others is essential.
• Provide direct guidance and support to classroom paraprofessionals assigned to the ASD program.
• Travel to meet job requirements.
• Regular, dependable attendance is a critical performance factor to ensure consistent, high quality services to children and families.
• Participate in all staff, PLC, and School Improvement meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervises students.

Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to the instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents; skill in oral and written communication. Ability to work with staff, parents, and children.

• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement (or willing to secure ASD endorsement).
• Familiarity with special education procedures, including the development, implementation, and assessment of IEPs and Behavior Support Plans.
• Experience in educating students who qualify for special education services/programming.
• Knowledge and understanding of state, local, and federal regulations and policies affecting special education.
• Organization and time management skills.
• Must meet the No Child Left Behind and “Highly Qualified” mandates.
• Lifelong learner with a collaborative spirit.

• Masters Degree in special education or related field preferred.
• Three or more years of teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of current special education practices and methodologies preferred.
• Experience working with students in a diverse,…