Special Education Teacher

2024-2025 Opening

The Organization

In Fall 2022, Thrive with Autism opened its first groundbreaking public school with the goal of dramatically improving education for children on the autism spectrum. Thrive Center for Success is the first charter school in the state of Texas dedicated to serving a special-needs population. Founded in 2019, Thrive with Autism’s mission and vision have brought hope to families who desperately want better educational options for their children on the autism spectrum. This fall Thrive will serve 156 students Kindergarten through 7th grade, adding a grade level each year to eventually serve up to 12th grade. Thrive plans to open a second campus in central Houston soon.

The Role

Thrive Center for Success seeks skilled educators with a passion and drive to improve the instructional quality of our school, to create a welcoming environment within their classroom for faculty and students to thrive, and to serve students with autism and other developmental disabilities in an innovative and transformative way. Thrive utilizes the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) model of instruction, and all teachers are expected to learn, internalize, and implement this framework in their classrooms. For more on CABAS, visit cabasschools.org. The Special Education Teacher reports to Thrive’s Principal but may get supervisory feedback from other Thrive team members, including Thrive’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and CABAS consultants.

Responsibilities

● Establish and execute daily routines, resources, and practices within the classroom.

● Supervise recess, carpool, and lunch as assigned.

● Receive and adjust instructional practices based on feedback.

● Record, graph, and analyze instructional and learning data.

● Learn, internalize and implement principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in classroom model and teaching practices.

● Prepare and implement lesson plans that conform to the adopted curriculum and that factor each student's unique learning circumstances, as appropriate and necessary.

● Conduct assessments of student progress.

● Complete necessary ARD paperwork and regular progress reports to best assist the student and to communicate progress to families.

● Continue to develop knowledge and skills by attending professional development opportunities and applying training to classroom teaching.

● Communicate learning needs to parents and report behavioral concerns or issues to parents, principal and other staff, as appropriate.

● Address student behavior as necessary, implement positive behavior reinforcements, and maintain a proper classroom management style conducive to student learning.

● Collaborate with other staff to implement each student's individualized education program.

● Learn to and apply the use of information technology to implement the adopted curriculum, lesson plans, and individualized education program requirements to daily classroom teaching.

● Have timely communication with parents, diagnosticians, therapists and administration about student needs.

● Observe student behavior and learning and leverage student interests and learning abilities to work towards mastery of adopted curriculum and classroom lessons.

● Prepare activities for teacher assistants, if assigned.

● Supervise teacher assistants, if assigned.

● Coordinate and manage parent volunteers, if any.

● Ensure student growth and achievement is continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area, and/or program.

● Offer training and resources to colleagues within and outside of Thrive.

● Consistently uphold professional obligations through efficient work habits such as establishing meeting schedules, continuously communicating in a positive and proactive manner, and honoring deadlines.

● Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• Able to lift 50 pounds, run 100 yards, drop/lift to one knee, go up/downstairs, and pass all verbal/physical competencies to be a fully certified Safety Care Specialist

• Bachelor's degree

• Willingness to work on some evenings or other non-standard business hours, as required by the needs of the school and in accordance with the duties outlined above

Highly Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field

• At least (1) year of classroom teaching experience in a special education setting

• Texas Special Education and General Education certifications; ESL supplemental, andTexas Reading Academy completion certificate*

• Fluency in Spanish

• Applied Behavior Analysis knowledge, training, and experience

• Experience working with students with autism

• Experience with the CABAS educational model for students with autism

*Classroom teachers who do not possess all of the following upon hire must obtain all certifications/certificates during the course of their first year in the classroom: Texas teacher certification in general education and special education, ESL certification add-on, Texas Reading Academy certificate.

Thrive’s Commitment to Diversity Thrive with Autism is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Thrive with Autism is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for classroom teaching positions begins at $56,000 and increases based on years of relevant experience, earned degrees, and current certifications. Thrive offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental benefits, and time off via school holidays, summer break, and PTO. Thrive is a participant in the Teacher’sR etirement System of Texas (TRS).

To Apply: Visit www.thrivesuccess.org/jobs