8th Grade Special Education Instructional Co-Teacher

About this Role

In the role of a Special Education Teacher, your commitment to evidence‑based instructional strategies and program planning will be pivotal in fostering the comprehensive development of students with diverse needs. You will adapt the general education curriculum to address individual student needs, create balanced instructional programs, monitor progress, and maintain compliance with IEPs. Effective communication and collaboration with parents, administrators, and other educators will be essential, as will meticulous record‑keeping and adherence to state and federal regulations.

• Instruction and Program Planning
  • Employ special educational strategies and techniques to improve sensory, perceptual‑motor, language, cognition, and memory development.
  • Use evidence‑based instruction and adjust the curriculum with best practices and technologies.
  • Plan and conduct activities that create a balanced program of instruction.
  • Apply child guidance principles and manage appropriate student conduct.
  • Coordinate the integration of students with special needs into the general education environment.
• Assessment and Progress Monitoring
  • Establish and follow each student's IEP to promote educational and social‑emotional development.
  • Prepare progress reports and report‑card grades.
  • Maintain accurate student records and analyze performance data.
  • Administer district and state assessments and adjust instruction based on results.
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Collaborate with parents, administrators, general education teachers, and related service providers.
  • Serve as an informational resource for students, parents, and district personnel.
  • Respond to inquiries and provide recommendations on student educational and social‑emotional needs.
  • Participate in team meetings to discuss student progress and intervention plans.
• Administrative Responsibilities
  • Prepare and maintain records and reports related to student progress and behavior.
  • Provide official records for parents and district personnel upon request.
  • Coordinate and lead team meetings, implement recommendations, and manage documentation.
• Professional Development and Compliance
  • Provide instruction that meets state and federal laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
  • Prepare data for local, state, and federal reports.
  • Attend professional meetings, conferences, and training workshops to maintain best practices.
• Supervision and Training
  • Train and provide guidance to assigned personnel.
  • Organize and conduct in‑services for parents or staff as directed.
• Operational Duties
  • Operate classroom equipment and assigned software.
  • Monitor department expenditures as appropriate.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Assist students with toileting and hygiene needs as required.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

• Familiarity with laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures in special education.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Competence in operating standard office and classroom equipment, including computers and software.
• Understanding and empathy toward students with special needs.
• Adherence to district organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Skillful interpretation of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Effective communication and cooperation with others.
• Accurate analysis of situations and adoption of effective courses of action.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule work efficiently.
• Proficiency in maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Consistent, punctual, and regular attendance.

• Bachelor's Degree; one to two years of related experience and/or training preferred.
• Must hold an Illinois Professional Educators License with the appropriate LBS1 endorsement.
• Experience working with students who have low‑incidence disabilities is preferred.
• Certified de‑escalation and restraint training expected.

This position requires the performance of light work, including exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 10 pounds frequently to move objects. Responsibilities…