About Us
Illuminate Academy, Inc. is a Tennessee-based nonprofit educational organization serving children with autism and other special needs. As an alternative to traditional public or private schools, we offer a unique Monday–Thursday program from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with staff hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff development takes place on select Fridays (1–2 times per month).
We maintain a 1:3 staff-to-learner ratio and serve learners ranging from 2 years old to 18+. Our approach is heart-led, neuroaffirming, and deeply collaborative with families.
Our Vision
To create an educational community that partners with families in achieving growth for all children.
Our Mission
To build meaningful relationships that increase engagement and foster regulation within a safe and supported environment.
Essential Responsibilities Aligned to Our Mission
Build Meaningful Relationships
Communicate effectively with families and team members using professional oral and written language.
Demonstrate fluency with communication technology (e.g., smart devices, apps, email).
Provide a monthly classroom newsletter to share updates and upcoming events (in collaboration with classroom instructor and admin).
Participate in monthly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trips to support real-world learning and family connection.
Increase Engagement
Prepare daily classroom materials and engagement activities as directed.
Collect data accurately and consistently to track learner progress.
Support assessments and collaborate with families to set individualized social-communication, emotional regulation, and academic goals.
Participate in quarterly family meetings to discuss learner progress and goal-setting.
Foster Regulation
Maintain a clean, calm, and organized classroom environment.
Create and implement visual supports (e.g., visual schedules, first-then boards).
Set up and encourage the use of sensory equipment and strategies based on individual needs.
Provide a Safe and Supported Environment
Take and report daily attendance; compile semester summaries for families.
Follow daily cleaning protocols to maintain a hygienic and professional environment.
Maintain accurate, secure cumulative records throughout the academic year.
Regularly update each learner’s emergency and medical information (e.g., medications, allergies, sensitivities).
Prepare learners for routine safety drills (e.g., fire, tornado, intruder).
Qualifications
Demonstrates honesty, integrity, good moral character, and initiative.
Minimum of 1 year experience working with children with autism or other developmental/behavioral differences preferred.
Exhibits a calm, relational personality and strong interpersonal skills.
Physically able to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs. throughout the day (in alignment with ADA “medium work” classification).
Provides proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident status.
Willing to undergo a criminal background check through Illuminate Academy.
Compensation
Lead Instructor Pay: $23–$26 per hour
Equivalent Monthly Pay Range: $2,800–$3,200
Based on experience
If you’re passionate about helping neurodivergent learners access their voices in every space, we’d love to meet you. Reach out today to learn more or apply.