Special Education Teacher at Therapeutic High School

About the Role

The Special Education Teacher delivers individualized instruction and manages a structured, supportive learning environment for students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. They develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and integrate therapeutic strategies into daily lessons to support both academic progress and social-emotional growth.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Develops and implements annual IEPs in compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring meaningful collaboration with parents, related service providers, and team members.
• Assesses student progress through ongoing data collection and analysis, using data to inform instruction, measure growth, and determine the need for additional support or adjustments to instructional techniques.
• Employs a variety of teaching strategies, methods, and principles of learning to support the diverse academic and behavioral needs of students.
• Works cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team to develop and refine instructional goals, behavior supports, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual student needs.
• Coordinates and ensures the delivery of all special education services as outlined in each student’s IEP.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation, including data tracking, progress reports, behavior logs, and compliance-related paperwork.
• Creates a positive, structured, and individualized learning environment that fosters 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 and implementation of effective 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 and maintains regular, professional communication regarding student progress and needs.
• Provides supervision, direction, and constructive feedback to educational assistants and paraprofessionals as assigned.
• Collaborates closely with related service providers (e.g., social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists) to integrate therapeutic support into academic instruction.
• Completes all school and state reporting requirements accurately and in a timely manner.
• Engages in ongoing professional development to remain current on best practices in special education, trauma-informed care, behavior management, and instructional methods.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Illinois State Board of Education LBS1 license (Required).
• Background check and physical exam.

Benefits

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

Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt