Southside K-8 Hiring Multi-Categorical Teacher With Autism Endorsement, $45K-$73K

Southside K-8 in McDowell County Schools posted a vacancy for a multi-categorical special education teacher certified with an autism endorsement to serve students in grades K-8. The employment term is 200 days with a salary scale listed at $45,465 to $73,287, and the posting was valid through 2026-01-17. Applicants were directed to the county’s online application on K12JobSpot: k12jobspot.com/Job/5017759

The hire is more than a personnel move for families of children with disabilities. In a rural county where access to specialized supports can be limited, a qualified multi-categorical teacher with an autism endorsement can directly affect how Individualized Education Programs are implemented in the classroom, how students access school-based interventions, and how families experience continuity of care. For parents juggling therapies, transportation and work schedules, consistent school staffing reduces disruptions that can undermine learning and behavioral gains.

Southside K-8’s posting described duties spanning the full K-8 age range, signaling a need for a teacher able to adapt instruction, behavior supports and collaboration with therapists across early elementary through middle school. The 200-day contract points to a full school-year commitment, which matters for planning services such as classroom-based behavioral supports, social skills groups and coordinated service delivery with outside providers.

Pay remains a core factor in rural teacher recruitment and retention. The listed salary range of $45,465 to $73,287 gives McDowell County Schools flexibility to compete for candidates with demonstrated autism endorsements or experience in multi-categorical special education. For local hiring officials, offering a middle- to upper-range salary within county budget limits can help attract educators who can lead inclusive practices and mentor paraeducators and colleagues.

Public health and education intersect in classrooms where students with autism receive instruction and supports that shape long-term outcomes. Stable special education staffing affects not only academic progress but also mental health, social development and access to community services. School hires also relieve pressure on families who often serve as case managers for multiple providers.

For residents watching district staffing, the posting’s presence on K12JobSpot provided the application pathway for interested candidates. The posting’s validity through 2026-01-17 suggests the vacancy was active into mid-January, and McDowell County Schools may now be processing applications or moving to interviews.

What comes next for families and advocates is follow-up with county human resources about the status of the position and continued attention to retaining staff once hired. Stable, skilled special education teachers at Southside K-8 will shape daily classroom life for students with autism and their peers, and they will influence broader efforts to make McDowell County’s schools more equitable and supportive for all learners.