LEAD With Purpose
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A career in special education is a calling that shapes futures, restores confidence, and opens doors for students who need support the most—and choosing to step into that calling at The LEAD Center makes that impact even greater.
At LEAD, you’re not just teaching skills; you’re helping students find safety, connection, and the tools they need to thrive across environments.
You become part of a team that values data-driven teaching, meaningful relationships, behavioral growth, and consistent collaboration with families.
The work is challenging, but it is deeply purposeful—every day offers a chance to make a measurable change in a child’s life. Investing your career at The LEAD Center means investing in a community that transforms students, strengthens families, and grows you as a professional and as a leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for working at LEAD?
For a paraprofessional the technical requirements are a high school diploma and being 18 or older. We love getting young leaders and future teachers in our door so that we can help shape and mold you into the teacher you want to be!
For a teacher position you must have a Provisional, Collegiate Professional, or Post graduate Professional license. If you don’t have one of these, then you must have a 4 year degree and be willing to complete the requirements for a provisional license from the VDOE.
For a Behavior Analyst position you must have a current BCBA Certificate and LBA license.
What are the minimum requirements for working at LEAD?
Behavior Analyst Requirements: BCBA Certification and Behavior Analyst License and experience with leadership of staff in an employment setting.
Teacher Requirements: VDOE Teaching License or license eligible, experience in a classroom setting, ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
Paraprofessional Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, experience in a classroom setting, ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
What are your benefits?
An awesome team environment that feels more like family! No really, it’s true! See our staff testimonials!
Training and support from administration that is meaningful to you personally and professionally. See our LCU program!
Regular staff celebrations that include food! We love to eat together!
Six paid weeks off a year! Enjoy winter break, Spring break, and other times throughout the year as paid time off!
Personal and sick leave that equates to 9 days a year.
Paid vacation time that increases with length of employment.
Health insurance and dental benefits available.
401K benefits and vesting in just two years.
Testimonials
“I enjoy the family-oriented environment and the support from my coworkers and admin team. Even on tough days, we work together toward a bigger purpose, which is truly meaningful. Being part of this team has taught me patience, flexibility, and better communication skills, making me more resilient and confident. The strong sense of community and teamwork sets us apart—everyone genuinely cares. This is a team where you’ll feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow, and the work is incredibly rewarding when you see the lasting impact you have on students.”
– Ky Young| Teacher | 5+ Years
“I love helping the students and watching them grow and learn! Being here has made me more confident in myself to be able to help others.
What makes this place special is that we are family! If I were encouraging someone to join, I’d tell them that they can help students grow and learn, and it will be the best company they have ever worked for!”
– Roxane Comer | Lead Paraprofessional | 7+ Years
“I enjoy how different and loving the school is, and I feel very supported since I came to LEAD. I didn’t know if this was the career I wanted, but LEAD has influenced me to love what I do.
It is a family-type environment where everyone is supportive with professional and personal lives. I would tell a new hire that LEAD is an amazing place to be a part of; you will create amazing, unforgettable bonds with staff and kids.”
– Emily Cabaniss | Lead Paraprofessional | 1+ Year
“I enjoy the family culture at The LEAD Center; everyone is always willing to help. This family environment helps our students feel comfort, love, and support. We work closely with families and address each child’s individual need daily. Being part of The LEAD Center has helped me grow both professionally and personally through the workshops and classes offered. I have not worked anywhere else in my 27 years in education where I have felt such a part of the workplace; the admin support is tremendous! If you are looking for a family-oriented environment, this is the place—you will be heard and supported, professionally and personally.”
– Michelle Duggan | Lead Paraprofessional | 8+ Years
“I enjoy providing a safe and clean space for our students. My time here has provided me a lot of insight into those with vastly different life experiences and needs. The trust and value placed in me by the staff has given me a sense of pride in what I do; I’ve never had a job I wanted to be at more than The LEAD Center. I would tell a potential new hire to care about this profession and adopt The LEAD Center’s standards. Once they do that, they are provided the freedom to make huge differences in our students’ lives and their own.”
– Chris Allen | Maintenance Supervisor | 17+ Years
“I love the family atmosphere. I really enjoy the comradery and the classes that are offered; I like to learn and grow. The closeness, the treatment from the administration, and the appreciation we are shown really set this place apart. I’ve never worked at a place like this before. We are not treated like just another person, but treated like we matter!”
– Michelle Terry | Lead Paraprofessional | 5+ Years
“I love teaching! Engaging in lessons with the students allows me to walk in my purpose. I have learned so much about myself and the special needs community since starting here. I appreciate the support and being able to collaborate creatively to make our environment fun and exciting! The continuous learning, support, and the freedom to expand on individual talents make this place different. You will LOVE it! We always have each other to learn from and lean on; we are like family!”
– Crystal Massenburg | Lead Paraprofessional | 3+ Years
“I love being part of the excellent delivery of highly individualized education to each and every student! Our students’ progress and growth constantly inspire me! Through professional development courses, I have been changing and improving both my mindset and my habits, leading to better delivery of services to my students. The encouragement to use all my professional training, as well as the respect given me for doing so, enables me to flourish. If you want to make a true difference in the lives of children then work here. The LEAD Center provides premier special education services.”
– Martine Good-Ewell | Teacher | 4+ Years