Special Education Teacher – Non-Public School | Tacoma, WA

Make a Meaningful Impact—Every Single Day

Are you a Special Education Teacher who wants your work to truly matter? Join a growing Non-Public School program serving autistic students and other neurodivergent learners—where collaboration, compassion, and high standards guide everything we do. Due to program growth (not turnover), we are excited to welcome a second teacher to our Tacoma site to help shape the future of our school community.

You’ll work side-by-side every day with another amazing Special Education Teacher, BCBAs and Behavior Technicians in a supportive, team-based environment that blends education and ABA to create thoughtful, individualized learning experiences for students and families.

About Our School & Program

Lilac Learning Center is a Non-Public School serving autistic students and neurodivergent learners ages 5–22 in a structured, supportive, and highly collaborative environment. Our program integrates special education and ABA practices, emphasizing individualized instruction, dignity, safety, and growth.

Our culture is warm, nerdy, and deeply committed to continuous improvement. We believe great outcomes happen when educators and ABA professionals work together; and when staff feel supported, heard, and valued.

About the Role

As a Special Education Teacher, you will be responsible for developing and managing each student’s individualized educational program while providing instructional leadership to classroom staff. Reporting to the Site Director, you’ll collaborate closely with BCBAs and BTs to align educational goals with behavioral supports, ensuring consistency and meaningful progress for every student.

This is a full-time, on-site role:

• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Year-round school setting

• Not a remote position

What You’ll Do

Instruction & Student Support

• Identify individual student needs and design supportive, effective learning environments

• Prepare lessons, resources, and accommodations aligned to IEP goals

• Assess student performance and maintain accurate IEP documentation

• Serve as Teacher of Record

• Support physical management and crisis response when necessary, using approved methods

Collaboration & Team Leadership

• Partner daily with BCBAs on all student objectives and documentation

• Provide professional development and guidance to Lead Technicians and Behavior Technicians

• Delegate responsibilities to classroom staff and ensure fidelity to student procedures

Family & Program Support

• Communicate student progress with parents and caregivers

• Research and contribute to curriculum development

• Assist with facility upkeep and other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• Washington State teaching certificate with Special Education endorsement (or ability to qualify)

• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)

• Willingness to be trained in QBS Safety-Care de-escalation and crisis management, including physical management procedures

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent organization and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

• Professional judgment, responsiveness to feedback, and respect for chain of command

• Commitment to maintaining professional boundaries and student dignity

Physical & Environmental Requirements

This role is active and hands-on. Candidates must be able to:

• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds

• Move through a variety of postures (standing, kneeling, crawling, rising from the floor)

• Respond quickly to physically active students, including approved escorts and holds

• Work in environments with moderate to occasional loud noise and varied weather conditions

• Safely manage potential exposure to bodily fluids and other environmental risks

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Growing program with opportunities to help shape curriculum and systems

• Collaborative ABA + education model with well-supported, conservative caseloads

• Dedicated professional development: monthly full PD days and half-day Fridays

• Support for conferences, CEUs, and engagement with university faculty and graduate students

• A culture that values feedback, learning, and recognition

Benefits Include

• Relocation assistance (negotiable)

• 401(k) with matching

• Flexible scheduling

• Discretionary profit-sharing plan

• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance (manager-level benefit)

• Generous PTO plus paid school closures and holidays

• Mileage and expense reimbursement

• Tuition discounts with Mary Baldwin University

• Bonusly employee recognition program

• Free snacks and meals in the employee kitchen

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer and proudly welcome candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We strongly encourage applications from neurodivergent and disabled educators and from those who share our commitment to inclusive, strengths-based education.

If you’re excited to grow with a program that values teamwork, expertise, and meaningful impact—we’d love to meet you.