We’re looking for a SPED Teacher to join the Greenleaf NCC team. Please contact Mitchell Bowman if you’re interested in applying for the position described below at: mbowman@eastersealstx.org

Easterseals Central Texas

Easterseals is a standard bearer for creating equity and access for people with disabilities and other barriers to long term self-sufficiency. For 100 years, Easterseals has been an indispensable resource for people and families living with disabilities. Throughout all life’s moments – from the extraordinary to the ordinary and everything in between – Easterseals is here to help people and families realize and reach their full potential.

Easterseals Central Texas is a nonprofit organization in Austin, TX providing a full array of services for children and adults with disabilities and their families. Our mission is to promote independence and create opportunities for people with disabilities to pursue their hopes and dreams. Self-determination and full inclusion of people with diverse disabilities is a driving force behind our mission.

Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community Center

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability. Services for people with autism transitioning to adulthood are almost non-existent, which is why Easterseals Central Texas launched Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community Center (Greenleaf NCC) in the fall of 2019 to create a community hub that fosters the abilities of people with autism and related neurodivergent conditions, so they reach their potential and thrive in the community, in the workplace, and in life.

In the fall of 2021, Greenleaf NCC entered into a partnership with Austin ISD to create a public-school transition program for students with autism and related neurodivergent conditions who are looking for project- based learning opportunities that increase the likelihood of employment and independence after aging out of the public education system. The program is specifically targeting students with interests in creative arts and/or technology who are 18 – 22 years old, who have autism or a related neurodivergent condition, and who have post-secondary school transition goals still to be met as part of their public education as outlined in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). GNCC will use the framework for transition services as outlined in IDEA to provide a coordinated set of activities and a results-oriented process focused on improving academic and functional achievement in the areas of the student’s talents, subject matter expertise and interests (i.e., music, theater, visual arts, digital media, animation, web design, etc.).

Position Summary

The SPED Teacher shall drive developmentally appropriate curriculum and be responsible for general administrative duties; for supervision of subordinate staff; for planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities; and monitoring student progress and maintenance of related records. The SPED Teacher will promote GNCC’s philosophy and educational objectives and will work together with other staff members, contractors, and volunteers to foster an atmosphere of goodwill, open communication, and teamwork that promote a productive and enthusiastic learning environment.

The SPED Teacher should have an entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, strong computer skills, including how to learn and use specialized software, websites, and databases, as well as the ability to adapt to multiple situations and effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and through email.

The SPED Teacher will be an employee of Easterseals Central Texas but will still be eligible for Texas’s Teacher Retirement System pension plan benefits.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop and implement IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student.
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
• Work closely with the Director and Office Manager to coordinate school recruitment, enrollment, and communications activities.
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Plan and supervise assignments for teacher aide(s), contractors, and volunteer(s).
• Use technology in teaching/learning processes.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the GNCC mission.
• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manage student behavior and develop and implement behavior plans as needed.
• Consult outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
• Support professional growth of colleagues by sharing information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement.
• Take necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials as required.
• Establish and maintain open communication with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file required physical and computerized reports, records, and documents.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Uphold and nurture an environment of direct, timely, and honest communication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

  Other Duties

  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  Supervisory Responsibility

  This individual will supervise other staff members, specifically the Teaching Assistant (paraprofessional) assigned to their classroom.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of organization’s mission, values and goals and execution of policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational, administration, presentation, project management, and communication skills (both verbal and written) with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of special needs of students with autism and related neurodivergent conditions.
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation.
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality, integrity and ethical practice.
• Great organizational skills with exceptional follow-through and attention to details.
• Must be well-organized, a self-starter, and able to work independently.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills with an outgoing demeanor.
• Persistence and resilience in the face of obstacles or challenges.
• Adaptability and flexibility to organizational needs and shifts in environment and work priorities.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Able to work effectively with all levels throughout the organization.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Must be a capable and efficient technology user, proficient with PC and Mac user interfaces, Microsoft Suite, and Google Suite.
• Display creativity, energy, and enthusiasm in approaching the work.
• Must possess excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Outings in the form of field trips and off-site work experiences, are a regular part of the job, so candidates should also possess a driver’s license in good standing and have the ability to driving a 9-passenger van to and from student outings.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to listen and communicate effectively. This position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to place or remove files and access file cabinets. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment, such as a computer, copy machines, phones, fax machines and other office machinery. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Occasional weekday evening and/or weekend work may be necessary to fulfill position responsibilities. Flexibility is required as job duties demand.

Travel

Travel may be required.

Required Education and Experience

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
2. Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments.
3. 3 years’ experience working as a SPED Teacher preferred, with experience working with autistic and neurodivergent high school and/or transition-aged students in particular.
4. Experience working within Texas public schools, especially Austin ISD, is preferred.
5. Experience in arts and/or technology education preferred.
6. Must be a capable and efficient technology user, proficient with PC and Mac user interfaces, Microsoft Suite, and Google Suite.

Easterseals provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are an EEO employer committed to diversity, M/F/D/V.