Special Education Teacher and Special Education Lead Sola Academy

Position Summary

Our Non‑Public Special Education School, Sola Academy, is seeking a passionate and experienced Special Education Teacher Leader to join our team in a leadership role beginning ASAP. This position combines direct teaching responsibilities with leadership in special education compliance and case manager support. The Lead will provide high‑quality, individualized instruction while overseeing IEP compliance and coaching fellow educators to support student success.

This is both a teaching and leadership role. The ideal candidate is an expert in 1:1 and small group instruction, experienced in guiding IEP processes, and skilled at building collaborative, student‑centered teams.

• Deliver individualized and small group instruction aligned to student IEPs in grades 6‑12.
• Differentiate curriculum to meet diverse academic and social‑emotional learning (SEL) needs.
• Serve as a mentor and role model in a trauma‑informed, inclusive school culture.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and families.
• Maintain consistent communication with families and related service providers regarding student progress and goals.

• Assist Case Manager in overseeing school‑wide case management practices, ensuring compliance with IDEA and Illinois special education laws.
• Create and maintain the IEP and re‑evaluation calendar to meet all required deadlines.
• Attend district IEP meetings as necessary, collaborating with school teams and external stakeholders.
• Assist in overseeing quarterly progress reporting for all students with IEPs.
• Coach teachers in progress monitoring, data collection, and daily goal charting for IEPs.
• Monitor and support implementation of IEP accommodations and modifications, including for state and school‑wide testing.
• Collaborate with the leadership team on individual student graduation planning and academic pathways.
• Facilitate and lead student‑centered instructional meetings with teaching teams to review student progress and adjust supports.

• Mentor and coach new and experienced special education teachers.
• Promote best practices in inclusive instruction, data‑driven decision‑making, and IEP fidelity.
• Model excellence in classroom practice and support teacher growth through feedback and instructional leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree required;
  Master’s Degree in Special Education or Educational Leadership preferred.
• Valid Illinois PEL with LBS1 endorsement.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in special education teaching and IEP case management; leadership or coaching experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in both instruction and compliance‑related responsibilities.
• Florida residents require level 2 background screening through

• Expertise in individualized, data‑informed instruction and special education law.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and coaching skills.
• Ability to manage complex schedules, deadlines, and team collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexible, compassionate, and mission‑driven professional demeanor.
• Commitment to inclusive education, equity, and continuous improvement.

Because teaching with us means more than delivering lessons—it means being part of a community that believes in you. At Sola, we’re dedicated to 1‑1 personalized learning—emotionally, socially, and academically—and we invest in our teachers just like we invest in our students. Learn more about Sola here.

We offer a package for full‑time employees which generally includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Vacation time (for certain positions) in accordance with company policy and state law
• Accident and life insurance as well as short‑ and long‑term disability

In addition to the above items, full‑time and part‑time employees can generally participate in the following benefits:

• Sick time and paid holidays in accordance with company policy
• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility
• Tax‑advantaged commuter benefits
• Employee…