Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

Full-time employee

Location(s)

4030 Dream Vly Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

Overview

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.

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.