High School Therapeutic School Special Education Teacher

MIDWEST EDUCATION SUPPORT SERV•Addison, IL

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher delivers individualized instruction and manages a structured, supportive learning environment for students. The teacher develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, and integrates therapeutic strategies into daily lessons to support academic progress and social-emotional growth. The role uses evidence-based practices, behavior management techniques, and differentiated instruction to address diverse student needs and fosters a safe, respectful, engaging classroom that promotes resilience, self-regulation, and long-term success. The program provides students with social, emotional, and behavioral issues a therapeutic day-school experience, with instruction in academic and social-emotional areas. Hands-on instruction and therapeutic approaches involving art, music, and movement are used to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Requirements

Illinois State Board of Education LBS1 license (required).
Background check.
Physical exam.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement research-based specialized instruction addressing the goals and objectives in each student’s IEP.
Develop and implement annual IEPs in compliance with state and federal regulations, collaborating with parents, related service providers, and team members.
Collect and analyze ongoing student progress data to inform instruction, measure growth, and determine whether support or instructional techniques need adjustment.
Use varied teaching strategies, methods, and principles of learning to support diverse academic and behavioral needs.
Work with a multidisciplinary team to develop and refine instructional goals, behavior supports, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual students.
Coordinate and ensure delivery of special education services outlined in each student’s IEP.
Maintain accurate, current documentation, including data tracking, progress reports, behavior logs, and compliance paperwork.
Create a positive, structured, individualized learning environment that supports academic, emotional, and behavioral growth.
Implement and monitor classroom behavior management systems aligned with individual BIPs and school-wide expectations.
Participate in Functional Behavior Assessments and contribute to developing and implementing effective Behavior Intervention Plans.
Use trauma-informed practices and de-escalation strategies to support students with significant emotional and behavioral needs.
Serve as the primary contact for parents and guardians and communicate professionally and regularly about student progress and needs.
Provide supervision, direction, and constructive feedback to assigned educational assistants and paraprofessionals.
Collaborate with related service providers, including social workers, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, to integrate therapeutic support into academic instruction.
Complete school and state reporting requirements accurately and on time.
Engage in ongoing professional development on special education, trauma-informed care, behavior management, and instructional methods.
Perform other duties as assigned.