Special Education Teacher

Description:

Pre-K - 2nd Grade specializing in nonverbal/minimally verbal students with Autism

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.

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.