Special Education Teacher

Job Description

Reports to: Principal

Contract Length & Wage Status: 10 months with an annual salary based on the MVSEA salary schedule

Qualifications/Previous Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related field
Illinois Professional Educator License: LBS1 or special education endorsement
Qualified to teach middle school (as applicable)
Experience working collaboratively with a wide variety of professionals and parents
Experience writing and implementing IEPs
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Program Description:

Therapeutic alternative school serving students in grades K–12
Designed for students with primary emotional or behavioral needs not met in traditional settings
Small, structured classroom environments with differentiated academic instruction
Use of positive behavior interventions, including consistent feedback and reinforcement
Social skills instruction aligned with Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards
Implementation of specialized learning strategies and vocational instruction/support
Focus on developing self-management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Emphasis on building interpersonal and communication skills
Instruction in self-regulation strategies (task completion, focus, peer/teacher interaction)
Students represent a wide range of instructional levels
Opportunities for integration into general education settings when appropriate

Key Responsibilities:

Case Manager for students with a moderate to severe range of disabilities
Conducts assessments/evaluations of student abilities and needs
Designs and implements individualized instructional and behavioral systems
Prepares reports and completes required documentation in a timely manner
Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and families
Establishes a positive instructional/learning environment
Provides academic instruction aligned with curriculum standards and IEP goals
Adapts/modifies instruction to meet individual student needs
Instructs students in daily living and personal skills (hygiene, safety, recreation, etc.)
Implements positive behavioral interventions and supports
Teaches self-regulation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
Provides guidance and support to paraprofessionals and staff

Professionalism:

Works cooperatively with administrators, consultants, community members, district liaisons, and team members
Provides feedback and effectively communicates with students and parents
Follow Board of Education, district, and building guidelines and procedures
Maintains a high level of integrity, fairness, ethical behavior, and confidentiality of information regarding students, personnel, and all job-related matters
Punctual, dependable & dedicated to providing a high-quality Special Education Program
Demonstrates flexibility and teamwork by completing other tasks as assigned

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computers and peripherals

Posture: Frequent sitting and standing, bending/stooping, transitioning from floor to standing, pushing, pulling, and twisting

Vision: The abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Motion: Frequent movement throughout the work environment, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding, use of a mouse, and occasional reaching

Lifting: Ability to lift up to 35 pounds

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours

Mental Demands: Ability to solve complex problems in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret instructions provided in written and oral form; ability to work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress.

*The mental demands, physical demands, and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an employee with a disability to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Special Education Teacher (Lower Elementary)