Job Description

Job Summary

Our Values

At Illuminate Academy, we pride ourselves on fostering a deeply interconnected and supportive community. We are not just colleagues but are highly involved in each other’s personal lives, creating a family-like atmosphere. Our commitment to social and emotional skills extends beyond the children we serve; we are equally dedicated to our staff’s emotional well-being, offering attentive support to ensure a positive work-life balance. Regular staff lunches, along with readily available snacks and drinks, make our workplace welcoming and comfortable. Guided by our core values of inspiring hope, being better together, choosing joy, kindness, and striving for excellence, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.  Even though we do not offer a 40 hour work week, we assure you that this is an amazing place to work.

Our Values

At Illuminate Academy, we pride ourselves on fostering a deeply interconnected and supportive community. We are not just colleagues but are highly involved in each other’s personal lives, creating a family-like atmosphere. Our commitment to social and emotional skills extends beyond the children we serve; we are equally dedicated to our staff’s emotional well-being, offering attentive support to ensure a positive work-life balance. Regular staff lunches, along with readily available snacks and drinks, make our workplace welcoming and comfortable. Guided by our core values of inspiring hope, being better together, choosing joy, kindness, and striving for excellence, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.  Even though we do not offer a 40 hour work week, we assure you that this is an amazing place to work.

About Us

Illuminate Academy, Inc. is a Tennessee not-for-profit. We are an educational organization for children with Autism and other special needs. As an alternative to a public or private school, we educate learners Monday-Thursday from 8:30 – 2:30.  Staff hours are 8:00 – 3:00 Monday-Thursday with staff development on Fridays (1-2x/month).  Illuminate maintains a classroom ratio of 1:3, and we serve learners of all ages (2 yrs – 18+).

Vision

Our vision is to create an educational community that partners with families in achieving growth for all children.

Mission

Our mission is to build meaningful relationships that increase engagement and foster regulation, within a safe and supported environment.

Job Responsibilities

Build Meaningful Relationships

• Demonstrate competency in oral and written communication (utilize proper grammar and English language skills), and demonstrate fluency with technology communication (i.e., smart devices, apps, and email) in order to communicate with families and staff members on a proactive and regular basis
• Provide a monthly newsletter to families to communicate upcoming events and monthly announcements, as directed by the classroom instructor and administrative team
• Participate in monthly community-based instruction trips with staff and families to connect classroom instruction with community participation

Increase Engagement

• Prepare classroom materials and engagement activities on a daily basis, as described by the classroom instructor or administrative team
• Collect data with accuracy and fidelity to show progress through measurable and distinguishable means
• Support the collection of assessment information and collaborate with families to determine individualized social communication, emotional regulation, and academic objectives for each learner
• Participate in family meetings to discuss goals and progress on a quarterly basis

Foster Regulation

• Maintain an organized classroom environment free of visual clutter
• Create and utilize classroom visual supports (i.e., visual schedule, first-then board, etc.)
• Set up sensory equipment and encourage the use of sensory strategies in the classroom as needed for each learner

Provide a Safe and Supported Environment

• Take daily attendance to report to families at the end of each semester
• Complete daily classroom and building cleaning protocols to maintain a professional and sanitary working environment
• Keep cumulative records secure and up-to-date throughout the academic year
• Update emergency information specific to each learner on a regular basis (i.e., medication schedules, allergies/sensitivities, special medical procedures, etc.)
• Prepare learners to participate in regular safety drills (i.e., fire, tornado, intruder, etc.)

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Demonstrate honesty and integrity, good moral character, and initiative
• Have experience in teaching and/or working with children with Autism or other developmental or behavioral disabilities (1 year minimum is preferred)
• Exhibit a relaxed personality and good interpersonal skills to relate well with learners, staff, families, administration, and community members
• Demonstrate physical ability and stamina to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and lift (up to 50lbs) throughout the day; demonstrate physical requirements for medium work as described by ADA
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
• Submit to a criminal background check through Illuminate Academy

Pay 

Based on experience our Lead Instructor positions pay $19-22 an hour Or $2,300 – $2,640 Monthly, 30 Hours a week

Additional Information

Benefits

Illuminate offers Health, Dental, and Vision to all Full-Time employees

How to Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to admin@illuminateacademy.org

Details

• Date Posted: March 11, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Educator
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Start Date: 03/31/2025
• Salary Range: 18 - 20 an hour
• Working Hours: 30 hours a week, M-Th 8:00am-3:00

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