Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
Mission: The mission of our program is to provide our students with a high quality of education that offers instruction in both academic and social/emotional realms. The purpose of the academy is to provide students with social/emotional/behavioral issues a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program. Through hands-on instructional experiences, as well as a therapeutic approach in art, music, and movement, the program is designated to meet all of the needs of this diverse student population.
Job Summary: The special education classroom teacher is responsible for delivering individualized instruction and managing a structured, supportive learning environment for students. They develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and integrate therapeutic strategies into daily lessons to support both academic progress and social-emotional growth. The teacher uses evidence-based practices, behavior management techniques, and differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs, while fostering a safe, respectful, and engaging classroom atmosphere that promotes resilience, self-regulation, and long-term success.
Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:
- Plans and implements research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Develops and implements annual IEPs in compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring meaningful collaboration with parents, related service providers, and team members.
- Assesses student progress through ongoing data collection and analysis, using data to inform instruction, measure growth, and determine the need for additional support or adjustments to instructional techniques.
- Employs a variety of teaching strategies, methods, and principles of learning to support the diverse academic and behavioral needs of students.
- Works cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team to develop and refine instructional goals, behavior supports, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual student needs.
- Coordinates and ensures the delivery of all special education services as outlined in each student’s IEP.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation, including data tracking, progress reports, behavior logs, and compliance-related paperwork.
- Creates a positive, structured, and individualized learning environment that fosters academic, emotional, and behavioral growth.
- Implements and monitors classroom behavior management systems aligned with individual student behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and school-wide expectations.
- Participates in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and contributes to the development and implementation of effective Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Utilizes trauma-informed practices and de-escalation strategies to support students with significant emotional and behavioral needs.
- Serves as the primary contact for parents/guardians and maintains regular, professional communication regarding student progress and needs. ? Provides supervision, direction, and constructive feedback to educational assistants and paraprofessionals as assigned.
- Collaborates closely with related service providers (e.g., social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists) to integrate therapeutic support into academic instruction.
- Completes all school, and state reporting requirements accurately and in a timely manner.
- Engages in ongoing professional development to remain current on best practices in special education, trauma-informed care, behavior management, and instructional methods.
- Other duties, as assigned.
$5K Sign-On Bonus - $1k with first paycheck, $2k in March, $2k in July
**PLEASE NOTE WE ARE CURRENTLY HIRING AT OUR CAMPUSES IN CAROL STREAM, ADDISON, and LOMBARD. This position is for our K-8 building in Carol Stream working with special education students with challenging behaviors - no more than 10 students per room, 6.5 contracted working hours per day*
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Paid Time Off
Requirements:
- Minimum B.A/B.S degree in teaching, including an ISBE Learning and Behavioral Specialist 1 (LBS1) licensure
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching of students with disabilities.
- Thorough skills and knowledge on strategies and techniques for working with students with emotional and behavioral challenges
- Ability to effectively analyze needs and problems objectively.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
- Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total school program.
- Knowledge of relevant educational technology
- Must have the proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.