Special Education Teacher (Summer Program)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Play on Words Therapy, Inc. is in search of a highly qualified, experienced special education teacher to lead, manage, direct all activities for the POW Therapeutic Summer Program.

• The program is geared toward children ages 3-7 with moderate to significant support needs, including communication and behavior needs associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delays
• The teacher will provide instructional support and direct activities including morning meeting, crafts, sensory time, functional play, and music/movement, while maintaining full responsibility for classroom structure, behavior support, and staff oversight.
• Assistance with coordination of in-house field trips and theme-related activities
• Typically 8-10 children attend each week, requiring individualized support and consistent behavioral and communication programming
• The special education teacher would be assisted by 2-3 interns (undergraduate or graduate students majoring in speech therapy or special education) and is responsible for supervising, directing, and delegating tasks to support staff (including paraprofessionals/interns)
• Materials will be provided and additional materials can be purchased upon advanced request.
• Children in attendance require supports for attention, behavior, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and activities of daily living (toileting, opening food items, etc.), including experience with nonspeaking and minimally speaking learners
• Must be positive, flexible, have strong, proactive classroom management skills, and be comfortable leading group activities in a high-needs, structured setting
• Special educator is responsible for professional, consistent communication with families regarding day-to-day needs and uploading 1-2 daily photos of each child via the SeeSaw app

Individual speech-therapy sessions with each child will also be conducted throughout the day by a certified speech-language pathologist and/or speech therapy interns.

Compensation based on experience, credentials/certifications, and education.

LOCATION: Redeemer Lutheran Church

SCHEDULE:

• July 6-August 7, 2026 M-F
• 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
• If you are unavailable for 1-3 days within this period, that can be worked around

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3+ years of full-time, school-based special education teaching experience required (experience limited to daycare, preschool, tutoring, or solely general education settings will not be considered).
• Demonstrated experience working with autistic students with moderate to significant support needs, including nonspeaking or minimally speaking individuals, is required
• Applicants are REQUIRED to have experience independently managing and leading a classroom, including developing routines, implementing behavior supports, and supervising paraprofessionals or support staff
• Self-contained special education classroom experienced strongly preferred
• Strong background in behavior management (e.g., use of evidence-based strategies, behavior intervention plans) is required
• Experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems is required
• Paraprofessionals with extensive experience (5+ years) in a self-contained special education classroom and have demonstrated leadership in managing students and supporting staff
• Criminal background check required to be completed upon hire

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $35.00 - $42.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 per week

Education

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience

• Teaching: 2 years (Required)
• Special Education: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)
• Special Education Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person