Special Education Teacher

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.

*Please note, this is a year-round school program.

Gersh Academy, located in West Hempstead, NY, is looking for a dedicated Special Education Teacher to serve as the Primary Educator for our students. Main responsibilities include instruction and daily communication with students assigned to you in a school setting.

Special Education Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead daily instructional programs to drive superior student achievement through in school instruction.
• Communicate and interface with parents/caretakers to ensure their child’s successful participation.
• Teachers will access trainings to become familiar with specific software programs and tools used to instruct students and be prepared to utilize digital platforms and tools when applicable.
• Teachers will use motivational skills and strategies to encourage students to learn and keep them engaged in their own education via resources that are appropriate to use as teaching tools.
• Provide daily and weekly lessons plans that align with each student’s IEP goals.
• Record daily attendance that will indicate the date, start and end times of classroom instruction.
• Complete required daily session notes that documents the implementation of the daily lesson plan which includes the objective, activity and measurable outcome.
• Participate in all CSE/IEP meetings as needed.
• Update IEPs/goals as needed.
• Coach and mentor parents to assist and support their child in their daily learning.
• Prepare resources, lesson plans and materials.
• Monitor and document student participation.
• Communicate daily progress and roadblocks to direct supervisor and/or BCBA.
• Other duties as assigned.

Teachers Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master's preferred) in education, special education or related field or professional certification required
• Ability to obtain NY State Teaching Certification Required
• Experience working with students with ADHD, LD, HFA and other related disabilities preferred
• Experience using Applied Behavioral Analysis preferred
• Experience in assessment and report writing preferred

Location: West Hempstead, NY

• Monday – Friday / 8:00AM-3:30PM (and once a week until 4PM for a team meeting)
• Occasional before and after school work hours at the discretion of the Administrative staff
• School / Classroom setting
• Candidates should be comfortable teaching in the school building
• This is a 12-month school program

.Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures. 
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Benefits for Full Time Employees

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth. 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

 Salary is based on education, certifications and years of experience