About Us

Illuminate Academy, Inc. is a Tennessee-based nonprofit educational organization dedicated to serving children with autism and other special needs. As an alternative to traditional public and private schools, we offer a unique learning model designed to support neurodivergent learners.

Our program runs Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with staff hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We also hold staff development sessions on select Fridays (1–2 times per month). With a 1:3 classroom ratio, we serve learners from age 2 to 18+, providing individualized support in a warm, neuroaffirming environment.

Our Vision

To create an educational community that partners with families to support the growth of every child.

Our Mission

To build meaningful relationships that increase engagement and foster regulation, all within a safe and supported environment.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Build Meaningful Relationships

  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, using proper grammar and professional language.

  • Use communication technology fluently (e.g., smart devices, apps, email) to engage with families and team members regularly.

  • Collaborate with classroom instructors and the administrative team to provide a monthly newsletter with classroom updates and announcements.

  • Join monthly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outings to help bridge classroom learning with real-world experiences alongside staff and families.

Increase Engagement

  • Prepare daily classroom materials and engagement activities under the direction of instructors or administrators.

  • Accurately collect and record data to track learner progress in meaningful, measurable ways.

  • Support the assessment process and collaborate with families to develop individualized goals in social communication, emotional regulation, and academics.

  • Attend quarterly family meetings to review learner progress and support goal-setting.

Foster Regulation

  • Maintain a calm, organized classroom environment that is free from visual clutter.

  • Create and implement visual supports such as visual schedules, first-then boards, and other tools.

  • Set up and promote use of sensory equipment and individualized sensory strategies for learners as needed.

Ensure a Safe and Supported Environment

  • Take daily attendance and compile semester summaries for families.

  • Follow daily cleaning protocols to maintain a hygienic and professional space.

  • Keep learner records accurate, secure, and updated throughout the year.

  • Maintain current emergency information for each learner (e.g., medications, allergies, sensitivities, medical procedures).

  • Prepare learners for participation in regular safety drills, including fire, tornado, and intruder protocols.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrates honesty, integrity, initiative, and strong moral character.

  • Minimum of one year of experience working with children with autism or other developmental/behavioral differences preferred.

  • Calm and relational personality with strong interpersonal skills to build connections with learners, staff, families, and the broader community.

  • Physically able to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, crouch, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs throughout the day (meeting ADA’s definition of “medium work”).

  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

  • Must pass a background check through Illuminate Academy.

Compensation

  • Lead Instructor Pay: $19–$21 per hour

  • Equivalent Monthly Pay: $2,280–$2,520, based on experience