Transition Academy Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Transition Academy Special Education Teacher

Classification: Full Time

Reports to: Director of Transition Academy

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: Starting at $63,500 per year

Location: Main - Denton (TWU Campus and Elan Denton Apartments), Some - Little Elm

Department: Transition Academy

Technology: Laptop

Travel (frequency): Rare

On-Call (Frequency): On call every 3rd weekend, except summer

Work Schedule/Benefits:

• 40 hours/week (4-hour lectures Mon-Thu)

• Summers off per Transition Academy calendar

• 2 weeks PTO after 90 days

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (if applicable)

• 401(k) with employer match

About 29 Acres: 29 Acres is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 29 Acres focuses on using research-based practices and programming to make meaningful and measured progress. At 29 Acres, we prioritize individualized programming, setting specific goals and outcomes tailored to the unique needs of our clients.

In addition, our Transition Academy is just minutes away from the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University who we closely partner with. We have various different research projects continuously happening with UNT while TWU provides the bulk of our support and joint programs!

Position Summary

The Transition Academy Special Education Teacher will provide classroom instruction for students in the 29 Acres Transition Academy. They will Implement and develop the instructional, functional and career curriculum for the Transition Academy. Further, they will be in charge of providing training and supplemental instruction in the residences to assist in generalization and transfer of concepts covered in class to the residential setting.

Position Qualifications

• Required: Master’s degree in psychology, education, special education, sociology, social work or related field

• Required: Experience working with people with autism or other neurodiversity

• Preferred: Teaching Certificate

• Preferred: 2+ years of classroom experience

• Required: Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test.

• Required: Must hold a valid Texas driver’s license and possess an acceptable driving record.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Responsibilities

• Teach advanced life skills curriculum as a launching point for adults with autism into independent living.

• Use google classroom platform for lessons and student materials

• Create classroom environments conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

• Develop specialized functional classroom content, as well as application of lessons for the natural environment.

• Provide life skills training to assist students in planning activities, vocational training, daily life skills, budgeting, cooking, social events, and other programs.

• Plan and use appropriate research-based instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.

• Use researched based teaching strategies such as co-teach, differentiation, and UDL.

• Provide ongoing feedback including grading student work and conduct monthly one-on-one progress meetings with each student.

• Train life skills coach and staff on generalization from classroom-based program to home based, best practices and provide leadership.

Behavioral Responsibilities

• Foster a culture of excellence and effectiveness in applying research-based educational practices to ensure high-quality classroom instruction for students in the Transition Academy.

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum that integrates instructional, functional, and career components, promoting a well-rounded educational experience for students.

• Promote a collaborative and supportive culture by providing training and supplemental instruction within residential settings, facilitating the seamless transfer of concepts covered in the classroom to enhance generalization in students' daily lives.

• Uphold a culture of consistency by ensuring the generalization of skills. Skills must be applied not only in the classroom setting but also in the home and community settings, ensuring continuity and reinforcing behavioral expectations across different environments.

• Demonstrate commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful culture by assisting in developing effective behavioral plans for students who may require additional support, emphasizing a proactive and solution-oriented approach to discipline.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong leadership qualities, guiding students with a positive and motivational demeanor while fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Excellent communication skills, facilitating clear and effective instruction in both classroom and residential settings.

• Adaptability and flexibility, adjusting teaching methods to meet the diverse learning needs and styles of students.

• Passion for education and skill development, inspiring students to achieve their potential and promoting a lifelong commitment to learning.

• Compassion and empathy, recognizing the unique circumstances and backgrounds of students, and providing support accordingly.

• Organizational skills, managing curriculum development, training schedules, and behavioral plans to ensure a structured and conducive learning environment.

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