Empowerment Academy ESE Teacher
About The Position
Empowerment Academy is launching its Kindergarten Program for the 2026–2027 school year. Our kindergarten classroom will serve students with disabilities, with a primary focus on supporting neurodiverse students and children with autism and related developmental differences. The program is intentionally designed with a low student-to-teacher ratio to provide individualized instruction, targeted support, and meaningful opportunities for each student to learn and participate successfully. Our instructional program utilizes TeachTown, an evidence-based curriculum designed to support students with autism and other developmental disabilities. TeachTown provides structured, individualized instruction in academic, communication, social-emotional, and functional skill areas while allowing instruction to be tailored to each student's developmental level and learning needs. As a member of our founding kindergarten team, the ESE Teacher will have an important role in establishing a positive classroom culture and helping shape the educational program as the Academy grows.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Exceptional Student Education, Special Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
- Experience working with children with disabilities, autism, developmental disabilities, or other neurodiverse learners is strongly preferred
- Knowledge of evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies for students with disabilities
- Ability to develop and implement individualized instruction based on student needs and abilities
- Strong classroom management and organizational skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with families, teachers, therapists, and other professionals
- A genuine passion for working with children with disabilities and a commitment to helping each student reach their individual potential
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and effective when responding to challenging behaviors or situations
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized instruction to kindergarten students with disabilities using the TeachTown curriculum and other appropriate instructional strategies
- Adapt instruction and learning activities to meet individual student needs and abilities
- Create a structured, positive classroom environment that promotes learning, communication, independence, and student success
- Implement appropriate instructional and positive behavior support strategies for students with autism and other developmental disabilities
- Monitor student progress through observation, assessment, and data collection, and maintain required student records and documentation
- Collaborate with families, teacher assistants, and related service providers, including occupational, physical, and speech-language therapists, to support student success
Benefits
- Live and on-demand professional development opportunities, both internal and external
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Several Supplemental Insurance Policies
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Easterseals Cares Wellness Program
- Work-life balance
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in our community
- Discounted childcare rate at our Explorer Academy for eligible children of employees
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
