Special Education Teacher

Atlantis Academy•Harvard, IL

7d•$60,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking a Special Education Teacher to join their award-winning team for the 2026-2027 School Year. This role involves empowering students with diverse learning needs in a collaborative and dynamic educational environment. The Special Education Teacher will lead the instructional process for students in Grades 6-12 with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), designing personalized learning experiences. Responsibilities include delivering targeted instruction, utilizing innovative curriculum resources, integrating educational software, and creating comprehensive lesson plans tailored to student needs, in alignment with state and school standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in education, special education or a closely related field of study.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a valid IL state professional educator (PEL) credential.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state special education instruction (SEE) credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience working with curriculum development, differentiation and instruction; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance; particularly for students with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
Proven success in developing and implementing effective education plans for students with diverse needs.
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Responsibilities

Creating an inclusive, collaborative environment that actively involves students, parents, colleagues, and administrators in the educational process.
Establishing a classroom climate built on mutual respect, fairness, and clear expectations, emphasizing social development, personal accountability, and positive group interactions by modeling Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Implementing and consistently reinforcing school-wide and classroom-specific PBIS strategies, behavior expectations, reward systems, and appropriate consequences.
Tracking and documenting student progress, maintaining accurate student files, and generating comprehensive reports detailing student achievements and activities.
Delivering differentiated and targeted instruction individually or collaboratively in a co-teaching environment to effectively meet IEP-specified educational goals.
Adapting and modifying curricular content and instructional approaches to accommodate the diverse learning styles and capabilities of students, providing guidance to instructional staff on differentiation methods.
Utilizing varied and engaging instructional methods, resources, and educational software to effectively respond to and support diverse student needs and interests.
Managing student caseload responsibilities, including developing, updating, and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), goals, and interventions.
Preparing detailed daily lesson plans and organizing instructional materials that align with curriculum standards and individual student objectives.
Maintaining an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment, managing supplies, furniture, and resources effectively according to established procedures.
Staying informed on current research-based instructional practices, trends, and developments in special education and subject-specific areas to continually enhance teaching effectiveness.
Responding openly and constructively to feedback from formal evaluations and informal observations, actively pursuing ongoing professional growth.
Supporting the school community by performing additional duties as assigned, contributing positively to the overall success of the educational program.