Teacher - Special Education Autism/Structured

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

About The Position

Bethel School District is seeking a certificated special education teacher for an Autism/Structured assignment at Naches Trail Elementary, available for the 2026–27 school year. The position requires an individual who can solve problems and initiate and implement effective solutions, and who can modify curriculum and instructional activities across grade levels. Preference is given to candidates with knowledge of autism spectrum disorders. The selected candidate must participate fully in staff development for the project. Current Bethel School District employees must submit an internal application; other applicants, including current substitutes, must use the standard application. Apply online.

Requirements

Valid and appropriate Washington State certificate and endorsements.
Special Education K-12 endorsement.
Restraint training.
Documented training in autism.
Ability to problem-solve and initiate and implement effective solutions.
Ability to modify curriculum and instructional activities across grade levels.
Desire and ability to work and communicate effectively with staff, students, and parents from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (preference).
Knowledge of specialized training in the TEACCH/Structured Teaching model.
Knowledge and application of Common Core Standards.
Successful experience working with high-needs special education students.
Knowledge of state regulations for special education.
Ability to coordinate programs, resources, and inclusion with regular education and special education teachers.
Ability to design and implement WAAS portfolios.
Experience creating and implementing academic and extracurricular activities for students with special needs, particularly Structured/TEACCH visual and physical structure components.
Experience adapting and/or modifying curriculum for diverse-needs students, including use of ABA, PECS, and augmentative communication.
Organizational ability and a positive attitude to manage student files, participate in MDT, coordinate IEPs, and develop, maintain, and evaluate progress monitoring.
Understanding of behavioral motivation and ability to develop successful strategies to address student behaviors.
Demonstrated success advocating for identified student needs.
Successful implementation of a district parent group emphasizing autism.

Responsibilities

Modify curriculum and instructional activities across grade levels.
Participate fully in staff development for the project.
Coordinate programs, resources, and inclusion with regular education and special education teachers.
Design and implement WAAS portfolios.
Create and implement curricular academic and extracurricular activities for students with special needs, including visual and physical structure using Structured/TEACCH components.
Adapt and/or modify curriculum for diverse-needs students using appropriate interventions, including ABA, PECS, and augmentative communication.
Manage student files, participate in MDT, coordinate IEPs, and develop, maintain, and evaluate progress monitoring.
Develop successful strategies to help students understand and overcome behaviors.
Advocate for the identified needs of students.
Implement a district parent group with an emphasis on autism.
Communicate and work effectively with staff, students, and parents from diverse cultural backgrounds.