Special Education Teacher

Job description

As a Special Education teacher at Potential Inc.'s private Springtime School, you will oversee individualized education programs for K-12+ (ages 6-21) students who have been diagnosed with autism or other developmental disabilities. Our teachers establish a positive educational environment, which includes developing, implementing, and relating the daily activities and special needs of the students to the core curriculum, by utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

• Collaborate with other disciplines (on-site SLP, OT, and Behavior Analysts) to encourage the best possible educational outcomes.
• Assess student's individual needs, create and implement instructional programs for students
• Be able to learn and utilize different assessments and evidence-based teaching techniques based on Applied Behavior Analysis
• Have an opportunity to work in a small classroom setting (3-6 students) where each student is assigned a registered behavior technician and the focus is working collaboratively with behavior technicians and a behavior analyst (if applicable) on meeting educational goals.
• Work for a supportive administration that prioritizes work-life balance and professional development

Why Potential?

Potential is a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist individuals with autism in reaching their full educational, social, and emotional potential by applying and developing innovative evidence-based approaches. We are a small organization driven by our values and dedication to making meaningful changes in the lives of our clients. This means we work together as a team, collaborating to problem solve, supporting one another in all that we do, and remaining current with research guiding best practices in our field.

At Potential, you will enjoy being part of a close-knit team. We offer the opportunity for continuous professional development as well as clinical supervision and mentorship from teachers, who are also certified as BCBAs. You will further your education by attending training paid for by the organization and will have the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field of ABA.

We offer the benefits of a big business with the feel of a small company. Benefits include paid time off and paid holidays, medical package (health/dental/vision), basic and voluntary life insurance, short- and long-term disability, AFLAC, pet insurance, tuition discounts at partner schools, an employee assistance program, an employee referral program, and a 403b retirement savings plan.

What sets the Springtime School at Potential apart?

• Private school (K - 12+, ages 6 - 21) with small class sizes
• Focus on academic, behavioral, and essential skills for living
• Personalized/individualized instruction for each student based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• 1:1 support for each student from skilled School Paraprofessional staff
• A year-long, ESY school schedule with breaks mixed in throughout the year

The ideal candidate should:

• Have experience teaching special education students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities (e.g., Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders) and significant behavioral challenges
• Have an empathetic and supportive attitude towards all clients/patients we serve
• Have the ability to create professional relationships with clients
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of the environment in which clients are being assessed and seeking assistance
• Be flexible, open to feedback and learning, and adaptable to change
• Demonstrate self-confidence/perseverance/strong work ethic - remain positive and maintain progress toward a goal despite obstacles and adversity
• Can organize and act on several activities concurrently

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Special Education
• Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder is required.
• ABA experience preferred

Required Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Current Pennsylvania Special Education Teaching Certificate
• Must pass mandatory background checks

Potential believes that all people are entitled to equal employment opportunities. We follow state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in hiring and employment.

We do not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, age, religion, gender, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.