Special Education Teacher | Pleasant Acres Elementary

Special Education Teacher position at Pleasant Acres Elementary School beginning with the 2026/27 school year.

Pay

Minimum Starting Salary: $56,250.00
Maximum Starting Salary: $107,890.08

About the Role

Under the direction of the Building Principal, Director of Special Services, or Director of Curriculum, the Special Education Teacher develops and provides specialized instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or related field
• Illinois Teaching Certificate
• Understanding and experience with curriculum design, planning, and instruction
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives
• Functions as IEP Manager to assigned students
• Demonstrates working knowledge of state and federal Special Education Law
• Understands and complies with policies, rules, and regulations regarding Special Education Services
• Acts as coordinator of IEP implementation with general education staff
• Provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development
• Develops, selects, and modifies instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students
• Designs individual and small group instruction
• Articulates curriculum between and among grade levels
• Maintains appropriate records and follows required procedures and practices
• Manages classroom organization
• Supervises students in various school-related settings
• Communicates and interacts with students, parents, staff, and community
• Incorporates Common Core State Standards into instruction
• Assists classroom teachers with curriculum and instructional modifications
• Coordinates instruction with other teachers
• Administers diagnostic assessments for academic progress and planning
• Demonstrates knowledge of child growth and development, instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessments, and research related to learning
• Works cooperatively with administration and staff to schedule meetings
• Participates in the RtI (Response to Intervention) process
• Applies knowledge of Special Education research, trends, and best practices
• Engages learners in differentiated learning experiences for a range of skill levels and developmental needs
• Manages multiple instructional activities simultaneously
• Monitors pacing of instruction and budgets class time efficiently
• Performs additional duties as assigned

Teaching Framework Responsibilities

• Plans and demonstrates practices reflecting knowledge of content, prerequisite relationships, and instructional practices specific to the discipline
• Seeks knowledge of students' backgrounds, cultures, skills, language proficiency, interests, and special needs
• Develops instructional outcomes of appropriate rigor, suitable for students, and aligned to Common Core Standards
• Utilizes available school or district resources to enhance teaching and support students
• Designs learning experiences aligned with instructional outcomes, Common Core Standards, and student needs
• Aligns student assessment with instructional outcomes and uses results to plan future instruction
• Interacts with students in a friendly, caring, and respectful manner
• Develops a classroom culture committed to learning by both teacher and students
• Manages instructional groups, materials, and supplies effectively
• Monitors and responds to student behavior consistently and respectfully
• Ensures a safe classroom environment where learning is accessible to all students
• Communicates instructional purpose, directions, and procedures clearly and accurately
• Uses high-quality questions and prompts to engage students in thoughtful discussion
• Creates lessons aligned with instructional outcomes and facilitates student knowledge construction
• Uses assessments to support instruction and provides regular, accurate feedback to students
• Modifies lessons as needed and responds to student questions and learning difficulties
• Reflects on lessons objectively and suggests improvements
• Maintains accurate and efficient records for instructional and non-instructional purposes
• Communicates frequently with families and engages them in the instructional program
• Participates in the professional community, school, and district events
• Maintains positive and productive relationships with colleagues
• Participates in professional development and actively shares knowledge with others
• Accepts feedback from supervisors and colleagues
• Displays high ethical standards and professionalism in all dealings

Mental Demands

• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents, colleagues, administration, and the educational community
• Ability to instruct students effectively and capably
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress
• Ability to use web-based programs, email, and technology (laptop, Smartboard, etc.) effectively

Working Conditions

• Indoor classrooms and school environments, with exposure to student noise, lawn mowing, music, food odors, mowed grass, and possible communicable diseases
• Outdoor schoolyard, grounds, and field trips, with exposure to varying temperatures and mowed grass
• Regular work attendance required