Autistic Support Teacher (Self-Contained)

Wissahickon Charter School is looking for an Autistic Support Teacher for a self-contained classroom at our Fernhill Campus. Autistic Support Teachers are responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related needs. This position is for a self-contained classroom and will serve students, primarily Kindergarteners, with high need levels which may include toileting.They will develop and implement individualized educational programs (IEPs), creates structured and supportive learning environments, and collaborate with families, related service providers, and school staff to help students achieve academic, social, behavioral, communication, and functional goals.They must be committed to improving the knowledge and skills of students with disabilities and must be relentless in their efforts to address the wide range of learning styles, needs and interests of students. The ideal candidate will have experience working with students with ASD in an urban school and will thrive in a collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver functional academics, life skills, and communication training using evidence-based practices


• Implement BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans), utilizing positive behavior supports.


• Supervise and coordinate daily tasks with paraprofessionals and classroom aides.


• Partner with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), and BCBAs to integrate related therapeutic goals into the daily classroom routine


• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs that translate into measurable success for students


• Utilize evidence-based practices for students with autism, including visual supports, structured teaching, social skills instruction, and communication strategies


• Provide consultation and support to school staff regarding effective strategies for working with students with autism


• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and educational planning sessions


• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress, achievements, and concerns


• Work collaboratively with the Director of Special Education, grade teams, teaching assistants, and other staff to support student growth


• Foster the development of social, emotional, self-regulation, and independent living skills


• Teach and reinforce appropriate social interactions, communication skills, and self-advocacy


• Establish and maintain relationships with families through regular communication, updates and opportunities for involvement


• Collect and analyze student performance data to guide instruction and monitor progress toward IEP goals


• Exemplify WCS' CARES (Collaboration, Academic excellence, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-reflection) values in all interactions with students, families and colleagues


• Seek out and be receptive to feedback with the goal of improving instructional and culture-building skills


• Participate in all professional development, team planning and data analysis meetings


• Assume other duties as assigned by the administrative team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred


• Current or pending PA Special Education teacher certification required


• Experience teaching students with autism spectrum disorder and knowledge of child development, autism spectrum disorder, and special education practices


• Training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavior Supports (PBS), Structured Teaching, or related methodologies preferred


• Teaching experience in an urban setting


• Strong knowledge of instructional strategies for students with autism and the ability to work effectively with students exhibiting a wide range of academic, behavioral, and communication needs


• Instructional and classroom management skills, with a record of increasing academic and behavioral growth for students with special needs


• Skill in data collection, progress monitoring, and educational assessment.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.


• Flexible and able to adjust priorities and strategies in order to meet the changing needs of the team and of students


• High level of personal organization, planning, and follow-through and comfort with autonomy


• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with students, families, supervisors and colleagues


• Knowledge of Pennsylvania and Common Core Standards


• Receptiveness to feedback, positive attitude, and a desire to continuously improve


• Belief in Wissahickon Charter Schools' mission and environmental education model, and the belief that all children can learn and succeed

About Wissahickon Charter School

Wissahickon Charter School's first campus, Fernhill, opened in 2002 and serves 480 K-8 students from across Philadelphia. Our second K-8 campus, Awbury, opened in the fall of 2014. The mission of Wissahickon Charter School (WCS) is to provide a community of learning that stimulates and builds the child's intellectual, social, and character development. Wissahickon Charter Schools are planned around three essential elements: an environmental focus that allows students to experience the curriculum, recognition of service learning projects as key in students' success, and an emphasis on parents as partners in the learning experiences of their children.

How to Apply

To be considered, visit our website at http://wissahickoncharter.org/join-our-team and click on the Apply Now button.

Wissahickon Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or other programs. We are committed to hiring a diverse staff and encourage those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds to apply.