Autism Career Training
Lead Teacher
Franklin, TN
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Full time
Company website
This position plays a vital role in fostering the growth, independence, and well-being of young adults with autism. The lead teacher is responsible for designing and delivering structured programming that supports skill development in the areas of independent living, pre-vocational training, behavioral regulation, and communication. Working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), a Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and other support staff, the lead teacher ensures a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment that honors each trainee’s abilities, dignity, and goals.
About Autism Career Training
At Autism Career Training, our mission is to identify the abilities of our trainees and to
transform those abilities into job skills desired by employees. We use therapy-based services and hands-on programs designed to prepare trainees for success in the workplace and in everyday pre-vocational skills.
Description
Key Responsibilities
Trainee Care & Safety:
- Promote the physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being of each trainee.
- Encourage autonomy, independence, and choice-making across daily routines and structured activities.
- Communicate regularly with SLPs, BCBAs, and other team members to ensure consistency and quality of care.
Teaching Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement daily lesson plans aligned with trainee goals and program objectives.
- Prepare learning materials and provide classroom structure to meet a variety of learning needs.
- Create, maintain, and update individual service plans (ISPs) and documentation.
- Lead effective communication with parents and caregivers, including phone calls, written updates, and meetings.
- Collaborate daily with program staff to coordinate instruction, behavioral supports, and transitions.
- Facilitate parent-teacher conferences
- Provide instruction in independent living skills, pre-vocational tasks, and behavior management techniques.
- Supervise and delegate responsibilities to co-teachers and support staff as needed.
Staff Member Responsibilities:
- Represent ACT with professionalism, respect, and commitment both within the center and in the community.
- Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
- Contribute positively to team culture and uphold organizational values through collaboration, flexibility, and a growth mindset.
Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
Experience working with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Preferred:
- Teaching license or certification in Special Education.
- Experience with ABA strategies, behavior support planning, or data collection.
- Familiarity with transition-aged youth or young adult programming.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
Ability to actively engage with students (including standing, bending, lifting up to 25 lbs).
Work is primarily in classroom/center based setting with some opportunities for community push in.