The Special Education Teacher Intern is responsible for managing the classroom, designing and implementing curriculum, and collaborating with parents and team members. They also supervise instructional aides and develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a current Education Specialist Credential or be enrolled in a teaching credential program. They should also have the ability to communicate effectively and engage physically with students.
professional certificateCommunicationCookingTrainingCollaborationData TrackingBehavior ManagementDaily Living SkillsTeam ManagementCurriculum DesignIEP DevelopmentInstructional SupportPositive ReinforcementSpecial EducationPhysical EngagementCommunity OutingsArt ProjectsMulti-Modal Communication
Morgan Autism Center provides a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where individuals impacted by autism or other developmental disabilities are accepted and celebrated for who they are. Founded in 1969, the focus is on creating respectful and positive interactions to maximize the potential of each student and client. Morgan Autism Center offers school and adult day programs and is an important resource for families and professional service providers throughout the Bay Area. Their flexible, comprehensive, and highly individualized approach has evolved into a model successfully adopted and implemented in located school districts.
The Special Education Teacher Intern is responsible for the management of their classroom including student and staff management. They design and implement curriculum, student individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior plans, and collaborate closely with parents and other members of the program team including instructional aides, speech therapists, occupational therapists and administration.
Reporting Relationships: This position reports directly to a School Program Director
Key Responsibilities
Classroom Structure, Curriculum, and Organization
Design and implement enriching and meaningful curriculum and activities focused on functional skills while addressing each student’s IEP goals (community outings, art projects, cooking, special activities)
Support classroom team in maintaining ongoing data tracking systems regarding behavior, goal progress, and any other areas needed for all students and provide quarterly progress reports
Design and maintain effective physical and program organization in alignment with the Morgan Autism Center Model (e.g., daily schedules for students and staff, daily/weekly routines, 15-minute rotation model, and other classroom systems)
Benefits
Life Insurance
Medical
Dental
Vision
Long-Term Disability
Retirement
Support all students and staff in use of multi-modal communication strategies (e.g., visual first-then schedules, task analyses, social stories, daily schedules, AAC devices, basic sign language, and any other supports needed)
Provide ongoing support and teaching for all activities of daily living (e.g., toileting, personal hygiene, maintaining safety, and other areas as needed)
Maintain and demonstrate the MAC model of positivity, compassion, and collaboration at all times
Direct participation in all daily activities, including physical education, community outings, special events, art, music, etc.
Other duties as required
Staff Management
Supervise, coach and manage (including training and evaluations) a team of 7 - 8 instructional aides in executing program model and philosophy
Model and maintain a healthy and effective team dynamic among classroom staff
Train and/or assist in training of classroom staff
Conduct effective and efficient daily meetings with classroom staff
IEP Development and Behavior Management
All program development, student supports planning and implementation must align with the philosophy of the Morgan Autism Center model
Develop and implement all IEPs for each student on their caseload (e.g., annual, triennial, transition, exit, etc.) in collaboration with all IEP team members (parents, group home, OT, SLP, admin, etc.)
Design and implement effective behavior intervention plans for all students, based on analysis of recorded data
Conduct pre-IEP meetings with parents and service providers to discuss direction and development of IEP prior to district IEP meeting
Submit Triennial or IEP paperwork to admin 1 week ahead of the IEP meeting
Communication
Maintain consistent and thorough communication and collaboration with all IEP team members (parents, group home, OT, SLP, admin, etc.), including individualized daily communication to classroom parents
Maintain professional relationships with school districts, regional centers and other professional agencies
Provide communication to administrators regarding developing challenges and/or requests for support
Training
Attend and participate in training on the Morgan Autism Center Model
Attend all in-services provided by Morgan Autism Center
Attend additional trainings upon request
Experience and Requirements
Current Education Specialist Credential (moderate to severe)
Open to those who may have an intern credential, an emergency credential, and/or currently enrolled in a teaching credential program.
Ability to read and write English at a professionally appropriate level
Ability to navigate pertinent technology (e.g., computers, tablets, Boardmaker, etc.)
Ability to physically engage with all elements of programming (e.g., daily PE, vocational tasks, physical support for students, etc.)
Experience working as a credentialed teacher in a special ed classroom
Remain enrolled and in good standing with Credential Program, including completing all requirements thereof
For example: DSP meetings, maintain minimum caseload, achieve minimum grade requirements, etc.
Physical Demands
While performing the essential functions and responsibilities of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms and speak and hear effectively. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
It is Morgan Autism Center’s intent to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, genetic characteristics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, or other protected class status as defined by applicable law. This policy covers all employment matters, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, placement, promotions, transfers, demotions, terminations, training and compensation.
DEI Statement
It is Morgan Autism Center’s intent to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, genetic characteristics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, or other protected class status as defined by applicable law. This policy covers all employment matters, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, placement, promotions, transfers, demotions, terminations, training and compensation.
Market context
California classroom teachers remain in steady demand
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.
