Pod Teacher

Job Description Butterfly Grove School is a premier independent school dedicated exclusively to the education and empowerment of students on the autism spectrum. Butterfly Grove School employs compassionate, innovative, and highly organized Pod Teacher to serve our students in an individualized instructional path. At Butterfly Grove, we move beyond 'compliance-based' education, our focus is on engagement. Our Pod Teachers are responsible for designing a 'wraparound' educational experience that integrates academics with sensory regulation, life skills, and social-emotional growth that is aligned to their interests and motivations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties include: 1. Curriculum Design & Individualized Instruction

• Develop and implement a neuro-affirming, individualized curriculum for each student served throughout the day, aligned to their interests, motivations, and learning profile
• Design instructional activities that embed academics within sensory regulation, life skills, and social-emotional learning in a natural, meaningful way
• Apply TEACCH methodologies, naturalistic teaching strategies, AAC support, and Trauma-Informed Care practices across all instructional contexts
• Continuously assess student engagement and adjust instructional approaches in real time to meet students where they are 2. Classroom Environment & Management
• Establish a highly structured, low-arousal classroom environment using a variety of techniques and strategies that align with student needs and interests
• Create and maintain physical and visual supports that promote student independence, predictability, and access
• Proactively identify and respond to sensory and regulation needs throughout the school day
• Provide professional mentorship, guidance and day-to-day direction to classroom Learning Guides, supporting their effectiveness in student interactions and instructional implementation 3. Wingbeats Goal Development & Data
• Draft clear, measurable, and interest-based goals for each student served through the Wingbeats framework
• Collect ongoing data on student goals to document growth and identify when adjustments or new approaches are needed
• Use data to inform instructional decisions and communicate student progress clearly to the team and families 4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Partner daily with on-site Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and classroom-based RBTs to embed therapy goals into the academic day
• Participate actively in team meetings, contributing instructional expertise and student observations to support a whole-child approach
• Communicate regularly with the Director regarding student progress, classroom dynamics, and any concerns 5. Collaboration & Training
• Communicate regularly and openly with staff regarding student progress, classroom observations, and any concerns
• May attend meetings with the Director, other specialists, and administration
• Function as a positive, contributing member of the BGS team 6. Professionalism & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records, documentation, and instructional materials in compliance with applicable law and school policy
• Work independently under general supervision, exercising sound professional judgment in complex and dynamic situations
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices in autism education, neuro-affirming pedagogy, and individualized instruction
• Perform related duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role requires the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities. Regular requirements include standing, walking, talking, and hearing. The role involves frequent use of hands to demonstrate, handle materials, and support student engagement. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 lbs. Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a classroom environment, as well as shared outdoor and common areas. The role involves working directly with children, and the employee must be prepared to respond to accidents and emergencies as needed. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The role may involve close physical contact with students and situations that require a calm, grounded response to student dysregulation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role..

SCHEDULE

• Monday to Friday
• Approximately 204 days, aligned to the annual BGS school calendar
• Occasional off-hour work is required

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary, based on education and experience
• 12 paid holidays, 10 days of paid sick time, and approximately 38 days of scheduled school breaks annually, including summer, winter, spring, and other holiday recesses
• 100% employer-paid medical and dental benefits; vision benefits available
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Ongoing professional development
• Tuition reimbursement We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.

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Skills and Requirements Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
• California Education Specialist (ESN) credential preferred
• California Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) credential preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience teaching students on the autism spectrum, elementary aged students preferred
• Experience in a Non-Public or Independent School setting preferred
• Deep, nuanced understanding of the autism spectrum, including sensory processing, communication differences, and behavioral support
• Proficiency in TEACCH methodologies, AAC devices, naturalistic teaching, and Trauma-Informed Care practices
• Strong ability to design neuro-affirming, individualized learning experiences that integrate academics with sensory regulation, life skills, and social-emotional growth

Minimum Requirements:

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint clearance
• Within 60 days of hire, provision of TB (tuberculin) clearance, as mandated by the California Education Code