Jr. High Special Education Teacher

Nexus Family Healing • Onarga, IL

5h • $58,000 - $66,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Nexus Family Healing is hiring a Jr. High Special Education Teacher for Grand Prairie School at our Onarga, IL location! Nexus-Onarga Family Healing provides boys ages 10 to 20 years old a structured, homelike environment where they can safely address a variety of unhealthy behaviors and mental health issues as well as childhood trauma. Nexus Onarga youth attend our onsite private, therapeutic Grand Prairie School which offers special education with small classes for grades 5th-12th. This position is for grades 5th-8th. The Jr. High Special Education Teacher delivers direct instruction and support to students with disabilities, collaborates with the team of teachers and behavior intervention staff, and helps develop IEPs to promote students’ academic, interpersonal, and college- and career-readiness skills.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in an educational discipline is required.
• Active teacher’s licensure/certification required
• LBS1 Licensure OR willing to obtain within 1 year of employment with financial assistance provided
• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements.
• Must successfully pass a DCFS criminal background check.
• Must be open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of 2 years previous teaching experience
• Master’s degree in an educational discipline

Responsibilities

• Provides direct instruction and support to students with disabilities in inclusion and/or special education settings.
• Conducts academic evaluations and writes reports for initial and triennial assessments.
• Develops, implements, and monitors Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Shares IEP progress updates with parents as outlined in the plan.
• Prepares for and participates in IEP meetings for both inclusion and self-contained students.
• Interprets assessment data to inform instructional decisions.
• Collects and analyzes student performance data to guide instruction and improve outcomes.
• Administers and interprets formal and informal assessments.
• Adapts materials to align with students’ IEP goals and access to the general curriculum.
• Ensures compliance with IEP timelines and evaluation requirements.
• Engages in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional practices.
• Plans instruction tailored to students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• Maintains a classroom environment supportive of learning and student development.
• Plans and oversees tasks for paraprofessionals.
• Prepares lesson plans and provides documentation upon request.
• Promotes positive student behavior and classroom standards.
• Sets clear learning objectives aligned with curriculum goals.
• Implements the district’s educational philosophy and instructional objectives.
• Regularly assesses student progress and provides required reports.
• Maintains accurate and compliant student records and documentation.
• Collects data and prepares reports per legal and district guidelines.
• Supports enforcement of school policies and maintains classroom order fairly.
• Establishes and communicates clear learning objectives aligned with curriculum goals.
• Follows all company policies, training, and certification requirements.
• Attends staff meetings and participates in required committees.
• Applies accommodations, modifications, UDL, and differentiation in instruction.
• Ensures safety of students, equipment, and facilities.
• Maintains accurate records in compliance with laws and district policies.
• Enforces school rules and maintains a structured classroom environment.
• Aligns instruction with the district’s educational philosophy and goals.

Benefits

• $2,000 Sign on Bonus for licensed LBS1 Teachers paid out over 18 months of employment
• Small class sizes
• Full time paraprofessional in each classroom
• Behavior Intervention Team readily available to provide ongoing support
• Residential program staff available throughout the school day to provide additional support where needed
• Tuition assistance program offered to pursue higher education
• 8 days of paid time off per calendar year plus pre-scheduled paid break weeks off throughout the year, including 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week Spring Break, 1 week in June & 1 week in August, in addition to time off around other recognized holidays
• Endless training on mental health & trauma informed care
• Internal advancement opportunities without further education required
• Ongoing support of a team of trained & experienced professionals
• Employee Referral Bonus program
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level