High School Special Education (Autism) Teacher 2627 SY

*By applying to this position your application will be considered part of our applicant pool for the 2026-2027 School Year. As site-specific position-specific openings arise leading up to the new school year you may be contacted and invited to apply for opportunities that align with your qualifications and experience. We also encourage you to set up notifications to receive email alerts from SchoolSpring when site-specific positions are posted. With this initial application your criteria is saved with SchoolSpring making it faster and easier to apply for specific openings as they become available. Advertised salaries are reflective of the 2025-2026 School Year and will be updated after 2026-2027 School Year budget approval.*

Job Summary:

Our Teachers develop and implement instructional programs that effectively provide the best possible education for each and every student. This role provides teaching and/or training services in self-contained classrooms to students who have special needs (Autism Developmental Delays Multiple Disabilities Learning Support and Behavior Support) whose educational needs are not met by a general education environment. Additionally this role will leverage strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues parents and stakeholders to support student success.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides specialized instruction with specific educational planning for those students whose needs cannot be met within the general classroom.
• Works cooperatively with general and special area classroom teachers by interpreting the abilities and disabilities of their students and assists students with achievement of the curriculum. Develops implements and annually reviews student Individualized Education Programs (IEP) according to federal state and local procedures.
• Maintains ongoing records of student performance and IEP implementation in order to evaluate progress including report cards and IEP progress reports.
• Assists in screening evaluating and recommending placements of students for the divisions special education program.
• Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team whose purpose is to provide appropriate educational programs for students with disabilities.
• Holds periodic parent conferences and/or home visits.
• Keeps abreast of recent developments in education for special needs students and shows evidence of continuing professional growth.
• Complies with all special education procedures from the division wide Special Education Handbook and the Virginia State Regulations Governing Students with Disabilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the principal or designee.

Click here to read the full Job Description for this role.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of the content area they teach including current curriculum standards and best practices.
• Knowledge of various instructional methods (e.g. direct instruction collaborative learning etc.) and ability to adapt them to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Understanding of different assessment strategies to measure student learning and inform instruction.
• Knowledge of child development and learning theories to create age-appropriate and engaging lessons.
• Proficiency in using educational technology tools and applications to enhance learning.
• Understanding of curriculum development principles and ability to adapt curriculum to student needs and interests.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to deliver clear and engaging instruction provide constructive feedback and communicate effectively with students parents and colleagues.
• Ability to design and plan effective lessons that integrate content knowledge instructional strategies and assessment practices.
• Skilled in creating a positive and productive learning environment establishing clear expectations and fostering positive student behavior.
• Ability to adapt instruction to meet the individual needs and learning styles of all students.
• Skilled in solving problems that arise in the classroom and adapting instruction as needed.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues parents and community members to support student success.
• Ability to manage a heavy workload prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
• Skilled in developing engaging and innovative lessons that spark curiosity and motivate students.
• Skilled in motivating and inspiring students to learn and achieve their full potential.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development to stay up-to-date with best practices in education.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
• Ability to obtain appropriate license (s) and/or endorsement(s) as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and School Board
• An acceptable rating of prior teaching experience as applicable

Preferred

• Currently possesses a Virginia Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Licenses within a specific endorsement area(s)
• Prior teaching experience within a public school system

Special Requirements:

• Special education teachers assigned to work with students with emotional disabilities should have been trained in MANDT methodology and should receive additional training as appropriate annually.
• Special education teachers assigned to work with students on the Autism Spectrum should have knowledge in evidence-based practices for instructing students with autism including but not limited to Applied Behavior Analysis alternative communication methods modeling and structured teacher (visual scheduling/supports physical structure and teaching components.)
• Special education teachers assigned to work with students with Severe Intellectual Disabilities should have training to include the following: tending to students personal hygiene using specialized equipment accessing augmentative communication equipment following seizure protocol implementing specialized feeding protocol body positioning tracheotomy care and suctioning.

Employment Terms: An employee may be offered to work a 10-Month (200 Day) 10.5-Month (210 Day) 11-Month (220 Day) -OR- 12-Month (240 Day) contract at a minimum of 7.5 hours worked per day. This position is evaluated annually. Additional compensation awarded for credits earned toward advanced degrees. New employees to Spotsylvania County will be compensated for up to 20 years of experience.

Required Experience:

IC