Special Education Teacher

Where Passion Meets Purpose—Join Our Team

At Common Threads, we do things a little differently—and that's exactly the point.

We're looking for a compassionate, creative, flexible, and relationship-centered Special Education Teacher to join our growing team. If you're seeking a role where your expertise is valued, collaboration is meaningful, and students are supported through connection and care, this may be the right fit for you.

Does this sound like you?

• You believe strong relationships are the foundation for learning and growth.
• You're excited to work as part of a transdisciplinary team—collaborating with OTs, SLPs, mental health professionals, and fellow educators.
• You approach your work with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to student-centered practices.
• You're drawn to healing-centered, neurodiversity-affirming work that promotes regulation, autonomy, and self-advocacy.

We are...

A mid-sized nonprofit on Madison's East Side with a big heart and a clear mission:

To empower autistic and neurodivergent students, and those with mental health needs or sensory differences, through individualized, trauma-informed, strength-based services.

At Common Threads, we believe that learning happens in the context of safe, trusting relationships. We support each student's unique journey by building connection, honoring identity, and working collaboratively across disciplines.

What you'll find at Common Threads:

A collaborative and supportive team culture

Time built in for thoughtful planning and communication

A program grounded in respect, inclusion, and co-created success

A space where your voice, ideas, and expertise are genuinely valued

Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a professional development stipend, and a retirement account with company match. Common Threads is a public student loan forgiveness program qualifying employer.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and current state lifetime licensure
• Knowledge/Experience of evidence-based practices and specific approaches for neurodivergent students
• Experience with IEPs
• Understanding of and experience with Universal Design for Learning

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create the optimal learning environment by implementing the traits of the ALCOT: Autism and Low Incidence Classroom Observation Tool
• Create learning experiences that make the content accessible and meaningful to students
• Utilize instructional adaptations including alternative assignments, supplemental instruction, and decreasing task demand
• Apply effective methods for enhancing student's working knowledge of core subjects at appropriate levels; including non-traditional teaching practices and procedures
• Complete lesson plans
• Monitor and review data to make instructional decisions and plans
• Write progress reports with accurate data in a manner that is understood by families with correct grammar and punctuation
• Proactively implement intervention strategies as determined by the team and/or management.
• Participate in team meetings to address student success, needs, and concerns across the school day.
• Prompt individual students as necessary to facilitate independence in using routines, following directions, employing an individual schedule, and completing tasks.
• Monitor safety while promoting student independence at all times, including lunch, recess, and transition times such as arrival from and departure to transportation.
• Create visual supports and classroom materials as needed.
• Prepare the classroom for instruction prior to student arrival and following student departure daily.
• Embody professionalism and maintain student confidentiality at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work and Environmental Conditions:

• Instructional, classroom, and school settings, including community-based instructional settings and outdoor environments.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maintain stamina and adjust body positioning to support students in various settings and activities, including but not limited to standing, crouching, sitting for extended periods of time, supporting student safety, and use of various equipment, as directed by related service providers and supervisors.
• Ability to move quickly when necessary to ensure student, staff, and own safety.
• General computer use including typing and screen time.

Common Threads is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, Common Threads complies with laws prohibiting discrimination against employees or qualified applicants for employment in hiring or in any decision affecting job status or pay on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, religion, color, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, cultural differences, ancestry, physical appearance, arrest record or conviction record, military participation or membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States, or political beliefs, or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or or local laws.

Common Threads and all subcontractors agree not to discriminate on the basis of disability in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Wisconsin Statutes secs and 111.34, and Chapter 19 of the Dane County Code of Ordinances.

We do not sponsor visa for employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person