Elementary Special Educator – Autism Program SY26/27

Burlington School District•Burlington, VT

About The Position

Special Educator - Elementary Autism Program Burlington School District SY26/27 The Burlington School District believes a diverse and culturally proficient faculty and staff are pivotal to the creation of a strong learning and working environment that supports student achievement and success. BSD administrators lead inclusive school communities with our vision: " Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people. - Join the journey.” The Mission of the Burlington School District is to graduate students who: Value different cultures; Engage with the community; Communicate effectively; Think creatively; Skillfully solve problems; and Achieve at their highest academic, intellectual and personal potential. The Burlington School District is seeking a passionate and dedicated Elementary Special Educator to join our Autism Program for the 2026–2027 school year. This position offers the opportunity to work within a highly collaborative, student-centered environment focused on inclusive practices, individualized instruction, and whole-child development. The successful candidate will be committed to supporting students with diverse learning, social-emotional, and developmental needs, and eager to be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team dedicated to student success. Position Overview Special Educators in the Autism Program play a critical role in supporting students’ academic achievement, communication skills, social development, and daily living skills. This position includes providing individualized and small-group instruction aligned with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborating with colleagues and families, and fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education
Vermont Educator License (or eligibility) with Special Education endorsement (Code 82 required; Code 81 preferred or eligible)
Experience working with elementary-aged students
Experience supporting students with behavioral, social-emotional, and communication needs
Knowledge of differentiated instruction, formative assessment, and inclusive practices
Willingness to obtain Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with autism and multiple disabilities
Familiarity with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems
Experience supervising paraeducators
Experience with assessment tools such as VB-MAPP, ABLLS, AFLS, or Essentials for Living
Experience leading IEP meetings and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams
Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
Experience working with English Language Learners

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized instruction based on IEP goals
Provide direct instruction in academic, social-emotional, communication, and daily living skills
Work with students with multiple diagnoses, including autism and intellectual disabilities, as well as students with significant physical and medical needs
Support students who utilize Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems
Assist students with physical needs, including transferring in and out of adaptive equipment as needed
Collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team including general educators, specialists, and service providers
Supervise and support paraeducators and behavior interventionists
Utilize a variety of assessment tools and curriculum frameworks (e.g., VB-MAPP, ABLLS, AFLS, Essentials for Living) to develop individualized programming
Create and maintain accurate student data systems, records, and progress reports
Provide case management for a caseload of students, including developing IEPs, behavior plans, and ongoing family communication
Implement positive behavioral supports and teach socially appropriate behaviors aligned with student IEPs
Participate in and facilitate IEP meetings and team collaboration
Maintain regular attendance and perform other duties as assigned