Special Education Teacher; Autism​/Communications

Position Title:

Special Education Teacher Autism / Communications Program

Community High School District 218 - Alan

B. Shepard High School

Building Principal, Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services, and Director of Special Education

The Autism / Communications Program Teacher provides specialized instruction and case management for students with autism spectrum disorders and significant communication needs in a self-contained educational environment. This role focuses on developing communication, academic, behavioral, and functional life skills through individualized instruction, structured classroom supports, and collaboration with related service providers. The teacher works closely with multidisciplinary staff and families to implement each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and promote meaningful progress toward independence and post-secondary success.

• Design and implement individualized daily schedules, structured routines, and visual supports to support student engagement and independence.
• Deliver specialized instruction aligned with modified academic standards and functional life skills curricula.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and sensory-supportive classroom environment designed for students with autism and communication disorders.
• Supervise and provide direction to classroom paraprofessionals to ensure consistent instructional and behavioral support.
• Implement evidence-based instructional strategies to support communication development, social interaction, and behavioral regulation.

• Design and implement individualized daily schedules, structured routines, and visual supports to support student engagement and independence.
• Deliver specialized instruction aligned with modified academic standards and functional life skills curricula.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and sensory-supportive classroom environment designed for students with autism and communication disorders.
• Supervise and provide direction to classroom paraprofessionals to ensure consistent instructional and behavioral support.
• Implement evidence-based instructional strategies to support communication development, social interaction, and behavioral regulation.

• Serve as the lead instructor for students with diverse communication needs, integrating augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and assistive technology into daily instruction.
• Collaborate with speech-language pathologists to support communication development and generalization of language goals within classroom activities.
• Work closely with related service providers including occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and social workers to support student progress.
• Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with fidelity, ensuring goals, accommodations, and supports are consistently delivered.
• Collaborate with the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to develop and implement Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

• Participate in and contribute to IEP meetings, annual reviews, reevaluations, and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs).
• Provide data-driven updates on student progress and instructional adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and Illinois special education regulations and timelines.
• Coordinate specialized testing accommodations, including administration requirements for assessments such as Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM).
• Maintain accurate documentation related to student progress, behavior data, and service implementation.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, classroom activities, and transition planning.

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance during the school year and participate in required school and district meetings.
• Participate in IEP meetings, team meetings, and professional development activities related to autism, communication supports, and behavioral interventions.
• Complete all required district and state-mandated training including…