Special Education Teacher

Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit network of mental health agencies with over 45 years of restoring hope for thousands of children and families through outpatient/community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. Safe Harbor School (SHS) is our private school serving youth receiving treatment at Nexus-Indian Oak in Manteno, IL. SHS serves grades 6-12 with a special education curriculum accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. Credits transfer to any school upon the client's discharge.

About the role

Our Special Education Teacher provides direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities while collaborating with general education teachers. This role is a key team member for the development of Individual Education Programs (IEPs), working with students in decision making, interpersonal development, and academic growth by providing strategies, resources, and instruction to meet Colleges and Career Readiness Standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct instruction and support to students with disabilities in inclusive and self-contained settings.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to co-teach and support IEP implementation.
• Conduct academic evaluations and manage IEP development, meetings, and compliance.
• Collect and analyze student performance data to inform instruction and improve outcomes.
• Adapt curriculum materials to meet diverse learning needs and align with IEP goals.
• Create a positive, structured classroom environment that supports student growth and engagement.
• Supervise and guide support staff including aides and assistants.
• Maintain accurate student records and progress reports in accordance with district policies.
• Participate in professional development and stay current with educational best practices and policies.
• Collaborate with families, service providers, and school staff to support student success.
• Recognize and value cultural differences in all aspects of work and service delivery.
• Assist staff in physical and non-physical interventions with residents as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement required.
• Eligibility to teach students with disabilities across K–12 settings.
• Ability to build strong relationships with diverse individuals or communities and understand their unique needs and challenges.
• Openness to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values.
• Valid driver’s license required; must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements.
• Must successfully pass an IL DCFS criminal background check.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100+ pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2-4 hours).
• Must be able to twist, bend, and stretch in a manner conducive to daily activities within a school.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a specific content area.
• Teaching experience.

Skills

• Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches.
• Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy, care, and concern.
• Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly.
• Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate.
• Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. SHS follows a year-round academic calendar, including scheduled break weeks and holidays off.

Pay

$58,000 - $70,000 annually based on credentials and years of teaching experience.

Benefits

• Multiple options for health insurance coverage.
• No-cost life insurance.
• Short/long-term disability insurance.
• 401k match.
• Talkspace Therapy Benefit for the whole family.
• Hinge Health Benefit for the whole family.
• Carrot Fertility Benefit.
• Tuition assistance and training opportunities.
• Advancement pathways and internal promotion.