The Educational Team Facilitator (ETF) for the Bridge Program serves as an instructional leader and mentor, guiding the development and ongoing improvement of specialized programming for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The ETF provides staff training and coaching, facilitates team meetings to ensure compliance with educational regulations, and promotes effective collaboration among educators, families, and community partners. By coordinating services and supporting individualized instruction, the ETF plays a key role in fostering student success across diverse learning environments.ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the Building Principal and Bridge Program Coordinator: Instructional Support & Program Development Support the implementation of individualized, evidence-based instructional and behavioral programming for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).Promote developmentally appropriate social-emotional, communication, academic, and life skills programming using proven approaches including ABA methodologies and sensory regulation strategies.Contribute to the development and refinement of autism-specific classrooms and district-wide programming.Promote inclusive practices and collaborate with general education staff to support access to the least restrictive environment.IEP & Evaluation Process ComplianceServe as the LEA Representative at Evaluation Team and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.Schedule, organize, and lead Eligibility Determination and IEP teammeetings, ensuring compliance with federal and state special education regulations while guiding the team in developing effective, legally compliant IEPs and reviewing finalized documents for accuracy.Facilitate collaborative team meetings, including team consultations, instructional planning, and progress meeting sessions.Record meeting minutes, complete necessary documentation, and maintain accurate and confidential student records.Ensure procedural safeguards are followed throughout the special education process by fostering strong, transparent communication with families, actively informing them of their rights and responsibilities, and encouraging meaningful participation in all aspects of the team process.Coordinate and facilitate transition planning for students moving between grade levels, programs, or placements.Staff Mentoring & Professional DevelopmentMentor and coach special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff to strengthen skills in autism-specific instructional practices.Provide targeted training or support on ABA principles, instructional tools, data collection, behavior support, visual schedules, and environmental structuring.Deliver professional development focused on best practices in autism education, behavior management, and communication strategies, as assigned.Data-Driven Decision MakingSupport teams in developing data collection systems and interpreting trends to drive student-centered decisions.Monitor and consult on the effectiveness of interventions and recommend modifications as needed.Systems Support & Program QualityParticipate in school and district special education team meetings to align programming and policies with student needs.Support school-wide initiatives and activities to enhance autism programming and inclusive practices.Additional Duties Maintain confidentiality of all student records and documentation.Coordinate transition assessments and planning activities for students with IEPs.Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director and/or Assistant Director of Special Services, Principal, or Program CoordinatorQualificationsTeacher Certification in at least one of the following areas: Teacher of Children with Moderate Special Needs, Teacher of Children with Severe Special Needs, School Psychologist, and/or Teacher of Children with Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders.Extensive experience working with students with special needs.Extensive knowledge of the IEP process and demonstrated knowledge of state and federal special education laws, regulations and eligibility criteria and willingness to implement the special education process.Knowledge of district wide continuum of services.Experience and expertise in curriculum adaptation.Superior oral and written communication skills.Highly organized in managing and ensuring compliance with IEP timelinesDemonstrated ability to mediate and/or facilitate difficult issues with tact, diplomacy and empathy.Experience in managing Special Education evaluations, or as a minimum, extensive participation as a member of a Special Education Evaluation Team.Computer literacy including basic familiarity with basic word processing applications such as WORD and EXCEL; must be able to collect, analyze, report, disseminate and manage data.Supplemental InformationAndover Public Schools (APS) seeks candidates who embody our ethos, which includes valuing the identities of all students, high expectations for all students, teaching excellence, collaboration, innovation, respect, and responsibility. APS is committed to hiring and supporting a racially and ethnically diverse faculty and staff.
Racially and ethnically diverse teachers produce a myriad of positive outcomes for all students, especially the most historically marginalized students.