What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Teacher for LEAP (substantially separate classroom) position at Hawthorne Brook?
Special Education Teacher for LEAP, a substantially separate program (Autism) – Middle School
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Teacher to provide engaging and challenging instruction for middle school students in our substantially separate program. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), experience supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, and a collaborative mindset.
Definition: The Special Education Teacher’s role is to help students learn subject matter and skills, subject to Special Education Laws, that will contribute to their educational development, in consideration of their cognitive learning abilities.
Essential Functions: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- Provide individualized and small group instruction in academic subjects using research-based instructional strategies including phonics, multisensory learning techniques, and repetition to address varied learning styles and student interests.
- Ability to adapt instruction to meet individual student needs in a structured, supportive, and inclusive environment.
- Implement ABA methodologies in both discrete trial training (DTT) and naturalistic/incidental teaching contexts, as outlined in student-specific behavior intervention plans.
- Collect and analyze student data aligned with IEP benchmarks (e.g., attending skills, responding, initiating, social interaction, behavior).
- Maintain and organize data collection systems, manage daily data tracking, and support data-driven decision-making in instructional planning.
- Run discrete teaching trials focused on skills such as language and communication, pre-academics, self-help, and social-pragmatic development in 1:1 or small group settings.
- Utilize special education techniques to enhance sensory integration, motor planning, language development, cognitive skills, and memory retention.
- Foster the development of prosocial behavior through the use of positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and proactive behavior strategies.
- Promote inclusion opportunities
- Collaborate closely with classroom staff, sharing student-specific strategies, materials, and supports to promote consistency and success across environments.
- Communicate regularly with BCBAs, classroom teachers, case managers, and related service providers regarding student progress, behavioral data, and observed needs.
- Participate in initial and three-year re-evaluations, conducting assessments, writing comprehensive reports, and presenting findings and recommendations at IEP team meetings.
- Maintain regular communication with families to provide updates on progress, address concerns, and collaborate on shared goals and priorities.
- Demonstrate openness to feedback and actively seek professional growth opportunities while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Complete the paperwork process associated with the duties of a special education liaison, including, but not limited to, the development of I.E.P.s and progress reports.
- Advise and assist co-teachers and colleagues with implementing modifications of curriculum materials to address the learning difficulties of students.
- Provides/implements modifications of curriculum materials to address the learning difficulties of students.
- Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.