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.

Academy for Young Minds (AYM, powered by Gersh) is seeking an experienced Special Education Teacher to join our team and teach in one of our brand new, state-of-the-art classrooms in Long Island City, NY. Classroom ratios are 8:1:2. This is a full-time, 12-month position.

As a Head Teacher at the Academy for Young Minds, you will play a vital role in our mission to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for students on the autism spectrum. The Head Teacher will be responsible for the teaching and oversight of his/her own classroom. This individual will supervise all teaching assistants and aides who teach in the classroom. In conjunction with the leadership team, the Head Teacher will develop and implement individualized curricular activities for each student, collect data on programs and progress toward goals, and assess students to inform curriculum and future learning activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage classroom of 8 students with IEPs
• Review IEP goals with all staff
• Provide appropriate and individualized instruction to all students
• Supervise Teaching Assistants and Aides
• Participate in curriculum development
• Collect data on students’ progress
• Assess students’ progress to ensure continued instruction
• Lead team meetings for classroom staff
• Communicate with parents regularly – phone, meetings, newsletters
• Use the Central Reach parent portal
• Set a tone of professionalism in the classroom while adhering to the mission, vision, and philosophy of AYM.
• Prepare and clean up the classroom each day

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Valid teaching certification in primary/secondary education
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, with a focus on special education and working with students on the autism spectrum
• Strong knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies for students on the autism spectrum
• Familiarity with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how to integrate them into the classroom setting
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of professionals
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with research and best practices in the field

Benefits available for full-time employees:

• • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development