Elementary School Autistic Support Teaching Opportunity

Paul Robeson Charter School (PRCS) is a free, lottery-based, open-enrollment charter school currently serving students from across Trenton in grades K-8.

The mission of Paul Robeson CS is to provide a personalized education that challenges, inspires and prepares students to passionately pursue their dreams & lead a life of active civic engagement. PRCS inspires and equips every student to lead a life of achievement, service and success. Our structured and nurturing community, comprehensive programming and rigorous academic curriculum are designed to build self-motivated citizens, eager learners and strong leaders - regardless of circumstance.

We seek to provide project-based learning and high-quality instruction to help students grow as learners and citizens. We believe in rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum where all students are given an opportunity to reach high academic success. Our teachers engage in extensive planning, strong instructional execution, and common skill-based assessments. Our curriculum engages students in building their academic proficiency and social-emotional skills to be successful.

Opportunity

PRCS is seeking passionate Elementary Autistic Support Teacher to join the PRCS family for the school year. The teacher in this position will support Kindergarten and 1st grade students (no more than 10 students) to provide instruction to students with autism spectrum disorders and emotional disabilities. The teacher in this role with foster strong student relationships and prioritize deep content expertise. Additionally, all teachers receive extensive preparation and collaborative planning time and regular supports and coaching from a departmentalized leadership team. All staff members are considered critical players in decision making processes and have the opportunity to influence the overall direction of the school.

Responsibilities

Individualized Instruction

• Develop and implement tailored educational plans (IEPs) that meet the specific needs of each student.
• Use differentiated teaching strategies to accommodate varying learning styles.

Behavioral Support

• Monitor and manage classroom behavior through positive reinforcement and behavioral intervention strategies.
• Teach self-regulation and coping skills to help students navigate social situations.

Collaboration with Specialists

• Work closely with occupational therapists, speech therapists and other professionals to integrate therapeutic goals into the classroom.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusive practices.

Parental Involvement

• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies for support at home.
• Provide resources and training for families to help them understand and support their child's needs.

Social Skills Development

• Facilitate social skills groups to encourage peer interaction and friendship-building.
• Create opportunities for students to practice communication and social interactions in a safe environment.

Classroom Environment

• Design a structured and predictable classroom setting that minimizes sensory overload.
• Use visual supports, schedules, and clear routines to enhance understanding and security.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

• Conduct regular assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching methods as needed.
• Document and report on student achievements and areas for improvement.

Professional Development

• Stay informed about best practices and current research related to autism and special education.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Advocacy

• Advocate for the needs of students with autism within the school and broader community.
• Promote awareness and understanding of autism among staff and peers

Crisis Management

• Be prepared to handle crises and challenging behaviors with appropriate strategies and interventions.
• Develop individualized crisis intervention plans when necessary.

Qualifications and Skills

• Outstanding instructional skills and data-driven approach to instructional planning;
• Mastery and enthusiasm for content/subject area;
• The ability to motivate students and cultivate a culture of achievement and joy;
• A belief that ALL students should be held to high academic standards and can achieve;
• Resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges;
• Professionalism (interactions, communication, duties, and attire);
• Commitment to school transformation and continuous improvement;
• Open to feedback and coaching;
• Strong sense of personal accountability for student achievement;
• Collaborative approach to problem solving.

Educational Background and Work Experience

• Experience driving student achievement, creating and implementing standards aligned instruction and building meaningful relationships with students and families;
• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field;
• Must hold or be actively working to obtain a NJ Special Education teacher certification.

The Rewards

• Competitive salary and benefits package;
• Extensive teacher preparation time;
• Professional collaboration with grade and content teams;
• Weekly coaching and ongoing professional development;
• Google Education platform for online assignment management;
• Opportunity to shape and develop curriculum.