Special Education Teacher

About the Role

This position is for Pathways Academy, a program serving nonverbal/minimally verbal students with Autism from PreK-2nd grade. It is a therapeutic day school with up to 24 students in 3 classrooms. The mission is to provide high-quality education in both academic and social/emotional realms, offering a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program for students with social/emotional/behavioral issues. The program incorporates hands-on instruction, art, music, and movement to meet the diverse needs of the student population.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives within each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Develops and implements annual IEPs in compliance with state and federal regulations, collaborating with parents, related service providers, and team members.
• Assesses student progress through ongoing data collection and analysis, using data to inform instruction and measure growth.
• Employs diverse teaching strategies and principles of learning to support academic and behavioral needs.
• Works with a multidisciplinary team to refine instructional goals, behavior supports, and therapeutic strategies.
• Coordinates and ensures the delivery of all special education services as outlined in each student’s IEP.
• Maintains accurate documentation, including data tracking, progress reports, behavior logs, and compliance paperwork.
• Creates a positive, structured learning environment fostering academic, emotional, and behavioral growth.
• Implements and monitors classroom behavior management systems aligned with individual student behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and school-wide expectations.
• Participates in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and contributes to the development of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Utilizes trauma-informed practices and de-escalation strategies to support students with significant emotional and behavioral needs.
• Serves as the primary contact for parents/guardians, maintaining regular communication regarding student progress.
• Provides supervision and feedback to educational assistants and paraprofessionals.
• Collaborates with related service providers to integrate therapeutic support into academic instruction.
• Completes all school and state reporting requirements accurately and on time.
• Engages in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Illinois State Board of Education LBS1 OR Early Childhood Special Education License (Required)

Other Requirements

• Background Check
• Physical Exam

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off