Catalyst Academy | Olive Branch | Full-Time / Part-Time]
Catalyst Academy is a small, K-8 private school built around a hands-on, project-based STEM curriculum and a genuine commitment to neurodiversity. We believe every student — regardless of how they think, learn, or communicate — deserves an engaging education and a classroom where they belong. Our small class sizes, flexible groupings, and on-campus partnership with ABA Connect LLC for ABA, Speech, and Occupational Therapy allow us to support a wide range of learners without losing the rigor of our STEM program.
We're looking for a warm, flexible, and skilled teacher to lead one of our multiage classrooms serving neurodiverse students across a range of ages and developmental levels. You'll design and deliver individualized, hands-on instruction, collaborate closely with related-service providers, and help build a classroom culture where different ways of learning are understood and supported — not just accommodated.
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Plan and deliver differentiated instruction across multiple grade/skill levels within a single classroom
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Adapt STEM-based, project-driven curriculum to a range of learning profiles, communication styles, and sensory needs
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Implement and monitor progress on IEPs, 504 Plans, and individualized behavior or support plans
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Collaborate regularly with our related-services partner, ABA Connect LLC, and other outside providers (speech, OT, ABA) to align classroom strategies with therapeutic goals
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Use positive, restorative behavior support strategies; contribute to individualized Behavior Intervention Plans where needed
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Create a sensory-aware, predictable classroom environment, including use of quiet/regulation space
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Communicate regularly and collaboratively with families about student progress
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Participate in staff training on neurodiversity-affirming practices and ongoing professional development
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Bachelor's degree in education, Special Education, or related field (required); teaching credential/certification preferred
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Experience teaching multiage, multi-level, or special education classrooms
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Experience working with neurodiverse students (autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, communication differences, etc.)
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Comfort collaborating with outside therapeutic providers (ABA, Speech, OT) as part of a student's support team
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Strong classroom management grounded in positive, restorative practice rather than exclusionary discipline
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Genuine enthusiasm for hands-on STEM instruction — comfort with, or willingness to learn, basic coding/robotics/maker-space tools
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Patience, flexibility, and strong communication skills with students, families, and colleagues
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Special education certification or endorsement
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Training in ABA principles, TEACCH, or similar structured teaching frameworks
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Experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
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Prior experience in a small, private, or independent school setting
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A small, mission-driven school community with genuine investment in neurodiversity-affirming practice
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Small class sizes and a collaborative, multidisciplinary team (teachers, aides, and ABA Connect LLC providers)
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Professional development stipend / support
In your cover letter, tell us about your experience supporting neurodiverse learners and why hands-on STEM education excites you.
Catalyst Academy is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.
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