Job Summary
The Mandala School is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and nurturing Primary 1 Teacher to support young neurodivergent learners in a small, structured, and inclusive classroom environment.
Our Primary 1 classroom serves early elementary students ages 5-7 years old, who benefit from small individualized instruction (10 students to 1 teacher & assistant ratio), sensory-aware support, predictable routines, and compassionate teaching. In this role, the teacher will create and implement engaging lessons that support each student’s academic, social-emotional, behavioral, communication, and functional growth.
The ideal candidate is someone who is patient, flexible, creative, and confident working with students with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, communication needs, and diverse learning profiles. This position requires a strong ability to differentiate instruction, support regulation, collaborate with classroom assistants and related service providers, and create a classroom culture where students feel safe, supported, and successful.
At The Mandala School, we believe every child deserves to be seen, understood, and given the tools they need to grow in confidence, independence, and connection. This is a meaningful opportunity for an educator who feels called to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
Responsibilities
- Design and deliver individualized lesson plans aligned with each student’s PEP (Perspective Education Plan) to promote academic achievement across subjects such as literacy, math, and life skills
- Implement evidence-based behavioral management strategies and behavioral therapy techniques to support positive behavior and social-emotional development
- Collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, and other specialists to coordinate comprehensive support for students
- Conduct assessments, standardized testing, and progress monitoring to evaluate student growth and adjust instructional approaches accordingly
- Manage classroom environments effectively through classroom management techniques that foster safety, engagement, and respect among students
- Provide early intervention services and support children with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder to facilitate their learning and social integration
- Develop curriculum adaptations for students with hearing impairments or those requiring deaf education services while ensuring accessibility for all learners
- Maintain detailed documentation of student progress, behavior reports, and PEP goals to ensure compliance with educational standards and legal requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Child Development, or related field preferred
- Florida teaching certification and/or ESE certification is preferred
- At least three years of teaching experience
- Specialized knowledge and experience to provide instruction to students with disabilities
- Experience working with children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, communication needs, or other neurodivergent learning profiles
- Experience teaching or supporting early elementary students, ideally Kindergarten–2nd grade
- Ability to implement individualized instruction based on student needs, developmental level, and learning style
- Strong understanding of classroom routines, behavior support, positive reinforcement, and student regulation strategies
- Ability to work collaboratively with classroom assistants, behavior therapists, related service providers, administration, and families
- Must be able to pass required background screening
- CPR/First Aid & CPI certification preferred or willingness to obtain
- RBT, ABA, autism, or behavior-support experience strongly preferred
Preferred Skills
- Experience with Florida B.E.S.T. Standards and/or Access Points
- Ability to differentiate instruction for students with varying academic, communication, behavioral, and sensory needs
- Strong classroom management skills using compassionate, evidence-based strategies
- Experience supporting communication through visuals, AAC, social stories, modeling, and language-rich instruction
- Ability to collect basic data on student progress, behavior, goals, and classroom participation
- Comfortable supporting students with daily living skills, transitions, toileting routines, feeding/lunch routines, and social skills
- Ability to create engaging hands-on lessons in literacy, math, science, art, movement, social-emotional learning, and functional skills
- Knowledge of neurodiversity-affirming practices and trauma-informed care
- Strong communication skills with parents and team members
- Ability to maintain a calm, regulated presence in a busy classroom environment
The ideal candidate will have experience working with neurodivergent learners, including students with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, communication needs, and behavioral support needs. Candidates should have a strong understanding of early childhood or elementary education, differentiated instruction, classroom routines, and positive behavior support strategies. Experience with Florida B.E.S.T. Standards, Access Points, ABA-based strategies, visual supports, AAC, sensory regulation, and social-emotional learning is preferred.
Candidates must be patient, flexible, organized, nurturing, and able to create a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment. The Primary 1 Teacher must be able to collaborate with classroom assistants, therapists, families, and administration to support each student’s academic, social, behavioral, and functional growth. CPR/First Aid, CPI, RBT, ESE, or autism-specific training is preferred but not required.
Join us in creating an inclusive educational environment where every child is valued! This position is ideal for educators eager to make a lasting impact by supporting children’s developmental journeys through innovative teaching practices and compassionate mentorship.
Pay: $51,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
