Full-time teacher for 1:1 support of smart 15-year-old with non-speaking autism

We are a fun, loving family of four in Brooklyn looking for a full-time teacher for a wonderful 15-year-old boy with non-speaking autism who communicates through typing and a letterboard (pointing to different letters to spell out words). Join a dynamic, collaborative team of teachers, family, and therapists to make a real difference in the life of an incredible young man while learning multiple best-in-class techniques and strategies.

Our son attends school in the mornings, supported by another teacher, so we are looking for a teacher to support him at our home during the afternoons. The job is Monday-Friday from 1:30-8:30 PM or 1:30-9:30 PM. (Your choice for 35-40 hours/week.) Pay is $40-50/hour based on experience. Working 40 hours a week for 43 weeks a year (between vacations and his summer camp, there are about 9 vacation weeks off a year), this would total $69,000 to $86,000 a year. While you would be paid for the entirety of the 1:30-8:30 (or 9:30) time, this time includes a mix of time directly working with him and prepping for the next class or time with him. (His parents will support him during some of the afternoon time.) We are located in Ditmas Park near the B/Q stop at Newkirk Plaza.

Responsibilities including the following:

• Teaching one academic subject (aligned to your skill/interest) a day 1-on-1 with our son.
• Supporting him to finish homework from school.
• Taking him to and from therapy sessions (with OT, PT, speech), supporting his communication during these sessions and ensuring continuity of these practices throughout the week.
• Teaching and practicing life skills with him. While he is very smart, his body doesn’t always do what his brain wants it to do so, so he needs help getting fully independent with brushing teeth, tying shoes, basic cooking and cleaning, table manners, folding clothes, etc. This would include both discrete practice times with him and supporting him during daily family life (e.g., dinners, family chores time).
• Structuring and supporting physical recreation (walks, board games, time in our backyard with trampoline and turf, basketball/badminton/etc.)
• Structuring and supporting socialization opportunities, primarily through helping him communicate through typing or letterboard during these opportunities. (There are several kids his age in the neighborhood, both neurotypical and with autism, that he can socialize with.)

Our son is very smart and wants to go to college, and he has a lot of challenges and needs a lot of support. This is a great opportunity to support an amazing kid and learn a TON about supporting students with autism.  We would teach you multiple communication methods, basic OT techniques that help regulate him, and other therapies. You would also work to research best practices (for example, we are not strong on life skills support, and there is a whole body of resources and research out there) and partner with related services providers.

Start Date: ASAP

Ideal Candidates:

• B.A. or higher
• Experience as a general education or special education teacher
• Positive, ultra-reliable, fast learner, hardworking, able to teach a subject at the high school level, mission-driven, give and receive feedback well, fun