Special Education Teacher (Middle School)

Title: Special Education Teacher - Middle School (ASD) Signing Bonus

Position Type: Full-time, Days

Location: Laurel, MD

What we do and offer our team:

PHILLIPS PROGRAMS Schools are private special education day schools for children with emotional and behavioral needs. Our programs provide a place of relationship and belonging where students can be accepted; treated with compassion and respect.

What the Special Education Teacher does:

In collaboration with assistant teachers, behavior specialists, related-service staff, families, and other professionals, you will develop and implement highly individualized programs—especially for students on the autism spectrum. Key responsibilities include:

ASD-Specific Instruction:

• Design and deliver structured, evidence-based lessons tailored to learners with ASD (e.g., visual supports, social stories, task analysis).
• Implement social-communication and social-skill curricula (e.g., PEERS, Social Thinking®) and embed peer-interaction opportunities.

IEP Development & Progress Monitoring:

• Lead the full IEP cycle: assessments, goal writing, quarterly report cards, mid-quarter checks, and narrative progress reports.
• Use data-driven tools (e.g., VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R) to evaluate skill acquisition and adjust instruction.

Behavioral Support & Crisis Prevention:

• Collaborate with BCBAs and behavior staff to implement positive behavior support plans and de-escalation protocols.
• Actively monitor and reinforce pro-social behaviors across settings (classroom, bus, playground).

Classroom Environment:

• Organize physical space to minimize sensory triggers and maximize predictability (e.g., defined workstations, visual schedules).
• Manage classroom budget and report expenditures.

Family & Team Communication:

• Maintain regular, proactive communication with parents/guardians, PHILLIPS staff, and outside providers (therapists, physicians).
• Lead or co-facilitate IEP meetings and team-planning sessions.

What the Special Education Teacher brings to the team:

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred).
• Valid Maryland Special Education Teaching License; ASD endorsement or certification a plus.

Experience & Expertise:

• Demonstrated experience teaching middle-school students with ASD or related neurodevelopmental profiles.
• Proficiency with ASD-focused instructional and behavioral frameworks.

Skills & Dispositions:

• Strong collaboration and coaching skills to guide assistant teachers and related-service staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, especially in translating complex data for families.
• Patience, creativity, and a growth-mindset in working with neurodiverse learners.