Associate Teacher - Autism

Martin Luther School is launching a new school designed specifically for students with autism, grounded in a developmental, relationship-based model of learning. 

Are you ready to become an exceptional special education teacher? Join a team where you'll receive daily mentorship, meaningful classroom experience, and a pathway to teacher certification while making a lasting difference in the lives of students with autism?  

The school will be rooted in a developmental approach that prioritizes emotional engagement, functional communication, regulation, and authentic relationships as the foundation for learning. Rather than focusing only on compliance or behavior management, the program will support students in building the cognitive, social, and emotional capacities that lead to long-term independence and meaningful participation in the world.

The autism program will be supported by a collaborative team that includes teachers, related service providers, clinicians, developmental specialists, and leadership who work closely together to understand each student and support their growth. Speech therapists are not working alone. They are part of a thoughtful team focused on helping students build the skills that support independence, communication, and learning.

Job summary:

The Associate Teacher supports the classroom teacher in creating a joyful, engaging, and developmentally responsive learning environment for autistic students. Through coaching, mentorship, and daily classroom experience, the Associate Teacher develops the knowledge and skills necessary to become a highly effective special education teacher while contributing meaningfully to student growth and classroom success. Essential duties required but not limited to:

1. Classroom and Instructional Support

a. Partner with the classroom teacher to implement individualized instruction and daily learning experiences. 

b. Support students during whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one instruction.

c. Facilitate meaningful engagement through play, communication, movement, and relationship-based interactions.

d. Prepare instructional materials and learning environments that support student success.

e. Observe student progress and contribute to instructional planning.

2. Developmental and Behavioral Support

a. Build trusting, responsive relationships that promote emotional safety and engagement.

b. Support students in communication, self-regulation, social interaction, and problem solving.

c. Implement Positive Behavior Support and developmental strategies aligned with the school's instructional framework.

d. Assist students during moments of dysregulation using trained de-escalation and co-regulation strategies.

e. Promote independence through thoughtful scaffolding and individualized supports.

f. Support students throughout daily routines, transitions, meals, recess, and community experiences.

3. Professional Learning and Teacher Development

a. Participate in ongoing coaching, mentoring, and Trust-Based Observations.

b. Engage in professional learning related to autism, child development, instruction, and developmental practice.

c. Collaborate regularly with teachers, therapists, instructional coaches, and school leaders.

d. Work toward Pennsylvania teacher certification through the Martin Luther School Teacher Apprenticeship Program.

e. Reflect on practice and incorporate feedback into daily instruction.

4. Collaboration and Communication

a. Work closely with teachers, therapists, and families to support student success.

b. Participate in team meetings, professional development, and collaborative planning.

c. Communicate professionally and maintain accurate student documentation as requested.

5. Compliance and Conduct

a. Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and safety expectations.

b. Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.

c. Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and commitment to the Martin Luther School mission.

Education and experience:

1. Bachelor's degree required.


2. Pennsylvania teaching certification is not required at time of hire.


3. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in becoming a certified special education teacher and a commitment to pursuing teacher certification while employed at Martin Luther School.


4. Experience or coursework related to autism, child development, psychology, education, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or related fields is preferred.


5. Training in Safe Crisis Management (SCM), DIR/Floortime®, developmental approaches, Positive Behavior Support, or trauma-informed practices is preferred.

Benefits include:

• 3 health insurance plans included, one at no cost to the employee!


• 2 dental plans to choose from


• Educational assistance for professional development and Act 48/CEUs


• 403b retirement plan with organizational match


• Group Term Life Insurance at no cost to the employee


• Short and Long-term Disability coverage


• Generous paid time off and Personal Holidays


• Funding for employee self-care activities

Martin Luther School is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.