About this role
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District believes in all students. We understand that all students can succeed and that it is our responsibility to provide appropriate supports to all students to be their best selves. In this role, we are seeking a dedicated and skilled Special Education Teacher to lead our Elementary Autistic Support (AS) classroom, serving students within low-incidence programming needs. We share the core belief that all students deserve respect, dignity, and a tailored learning environment that honors their communication, sensory, and developmental strengths. Under the supervision of the Principal, the successful candidate will design, prepare, and deliver highly structured academic, functional, and communication-focused instruction. A teacher who is compassionate, energetic, and experienced in evidence-based strategies for students on the autism spectrum will find Wallingford-Swarthmore to be a great professional haven. Key Responsibilities:
• Low-Incidence Program Design: Develop and implement low-incidence programming for elementary students with autism, utilizing visual schedules, structured environment strategies, and sensory-friendly classroom design.
• Communication & Augmentative Tech: Direct instruction and daily implementation for students who may be non-verbal or emergent-verbal, integrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, speech-generating technology, and visual communication systems (e.g., PECS).
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Integration: Apply principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support skill acquisition, manage functional behavior strategies, and track learner milestones.
• Specialized Assessment & Data: Administer and interpret criterion-referenced and developmental assessments—such as the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) or ABLLS-R—to establish baselines, guide curriculum planning, and monitor progress.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Maintain close, daily collaboration with a multidisciplinary team—including Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Physical Therapists (PTs), Behavior Specialists/BCBAs, and School Psychologists—to ensure integrated delivery of services.
• Case Management & IEP Leadership: Serve as primary case manager, lead IEP meetings, write compliant, data-driven goals, and maintain active, regular communication with families.
• Instructional Adaptation: Adapt and modify core curriculum, functional academics, and daily routines to match individual cognitive and functional profiles.
• Classroom Team Leadership: Supervise and coordinate classroom paraprofessionals and 1:1 support staff to ensure consistent execution of instructional strategies, communication protocols, and safety procedures.
Qualifications:
•
• Valid Pennsylvania Special Education Certificate PK-12 or PK-8.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong background or preference for experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and verbal behavior strategies.
• Demonstrated experience working with non-verbal or minimally verbal learners, including familiarity with AAC communication devices and visual systems.
• Experience administering specialized assessments tailored for autism and language delays, specifically the VB-MAPP or similar tools.
• Strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with parents and colleagues
Benefits:
• Highly competitive salary (WSEA bargaining unit contract)
• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Vision, and Dental benefits
• Paid Sick and Personal Leave
District retains the right to screen, interview, and offer employment to candidates prior to the closing date of this posting. _________________________________________________________________ Employment in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is non-discriminatory. That is, there is no discrimination in recruitment, employment, or promotion on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical handicap, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, or age.