Special Education Teacher

What You’ll Actually Be Doing

You’re stepping into a high school alternative education program in Chicago, IL where your job is to lead the instructional process for students who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). This isn't a cookie cutter teaching gig. You'll design personalized learning experiences for each student, drawing on whatever mix of curriculum resources, educational software, and direct instruction works best for them. You’ll handle lesson plans, schedules, and all the alignment with state and school standards. Your caseload includes developing and updating IEPs, goals, and interventions, and tracking student progress in detailed reports. You'll also maintain student files and document how things are going.

You’ll set up a classroom climate that runs on mutual respect, fairness, clear expectations, and social development. There’s an emphasis on personal accountability and positive group interactions ; that’s where Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) comes in. You’ll implement PBIS strategies school wide and in your classroom, reinforcing behavior expectations, reward systems, and consequences. And yes, you’ll adapt and modify curricular content for different learning styles and capabilities, and you’ll guide instructional staff on how to differentiate. You'll work individually and sometimes co teach. You’ll also keep the classroom organized, safe, and welcoming ; managing supplies, furniture, and resources according to established procedures.

Beyond that, you’ll stay current on research based practices in special education. You’ll respond openly to feedback from evaluations and observations, and pursue ongoing professional growth. There’s also the occasional additional duty that helps the school community run well. And you’ll have critical conversations with students that move them toward realistic goals.

What You Need to Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in education, special education, or a closely related field.
• A valid Tennessee state teaching credential ; or you’re in the process of getting one.
• A valid Tennessee state special education instruction credential ; or you’re in the process of getting that one too.
• You’ll need to obtain and maintain certification in a company approved crisis management training program.
• Prior experience with curriculum development, differentiation, and instruction ; ideally in an alternative, special education, or behavioral health program setting.
• Experience or solid knowledge of special education services and compliance, specifically for students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, or challenging behaviors.
• Prior experience working with students who have IEPs, and you’ve got a proven history of developing effective education plans for at risk students with diverse needs.
• You’re good at motivation, having critical conversations with students, and holding them accountable toward realistic goals.
• Strong oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision making ability.
• You can think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency, and make independent decisions on the fly.
• You’re comfortable with relevant technology and have some experience with instructional software or tools.

Schedule and Pay

The starting salary for this role in Chicago, IL is $60,000 to $65,000 per year, based on your experience. That’s the starting range.

Benefits

We haven’t gone into detail here, but this is a real full time role with real benefits. You’ll get details during the process.

How to Apply

Send your resume through JobXi. Make sure your experience lines up with what’s listed above ; especially the special education credentials and prior work with IEPs and at risk students. We’ll review and reach out to qualified candidates.