Special Education Teacher

The purpose of this position is to plan, coordinate, and implement special education programs and services that meet the individualized academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students. The role collaborates with administration, teachers, and support staff to ensure compliance with special education regulations, oversees the IEP process, and provides consultation on effective instructional and behavioral strategies. Responsibilities include supporting district initiatives, participating in problem-solving teams, assisting with crisis response and intervention planning, and maintaining accurate documentation and reporting.

The position also promotes collaboration with families and staff to ensure programs and services align with district goals and best practices for student success.

• 1. Holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• 2. Meets all current licensing requirements, including endorsement(s) in the appropriate teaching areas, as determined by the Illinois State Board of Education a. PEL license with LBS1/endorsement
• 3. Knowledge and experience working with students who have had intensive academic and/or behavioral needs and experience working with students with autism, cognitive, and social-emotional disorders are preferred.
• 4. EL endorsement is welcomed but not required.

• Endurance within a classroom setting; working with students while standing, sitting, or walking throughout the classroom, building, or outside, with the ability to maneuver within tight spaces and to move swiftly.
• Working with students in an instructional setting may entail kneeling or squatting, stooping, and bending from the waist on an occasional-to-frequent basis on a given day.
• Retrieve, use, lift, and store teaching materials, such as books, equipment, and assignments.
• Ability to see, hear, and comprehend directions provided in the English language. Ability to speak and write in the English language, in order to communicate with children and others in the school community.
• Ability to use instructional aids such as whiteboards, posters, bulletin boards, document cameras, computers, and technological equipment.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Typically, roles and responsibilities are performed inside.

• Develop, plan, and implement special education programs within assigned locations and programs;
• In cooperation with the School Administration, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services implements district procedures and policies.
• Utilize research-based instructional strategies and practices based on students’ individualized learning needs, best practices, and Common Core State Standards.
• Align lesson plans to ensure accommodations, assessments, and standards are incorporated on a daily basis
• Work in coordination with teachers and administration to implement special education programs and services, including behavior programs consistent with the educational philosophy and goals of the District.
• Prepare annual program goals and objectives, progress reviews, and maintain paperwork;
• Oversee the IEP process, including attending IEP meetings as necessary, providing technical support for the development of IEPs, and coordinating the attendance of LEA representatives;
• Assist in implementing district and building initiatives;
• Assist in creating a school climate characterized by mutual respect, professionalism, and a high level of staff and student morale;
• Participate in Problem-Solving Teams and consult with staff members regarding appropriate interventions, modifications, and adaptations.
• Demonstrate proactive methods for identifying student needs and recommending methods to improve services to students;
• Provide reports and recommendations for placement in programs or services to the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
• Participate as a team member in the identification of social/behavioral problems and assist in the design, implementation, and follow-up on behavior intervention plans and programs for individuals and groups of students;
• Plan and consult with classroom teachers and administration as requested concerning any academic, social-emotional…