Special Education Teacher (2026-2027)

Joliet Public Schools District 86 • Joliet, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher helps students fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth and maturation. The teacher plans and delivers instruction, manages the classroom, evaluates and records student progress, and serves as case manager for students in the program or being considered for it. The position includes developing and monitoring IEP goals, monitoring related services, communicating with families, and participating in IEP meetings. The teacher also contributes to curriculum development and professional growth, follows district policies, maintains confidentiality, and performs other duties assigned by the principal, special services coordinator, or Director.

This is a certified personnel position for nine months, in the bargaining unit, and is non-exempt. Salary and benefits are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement. The position is supervised by the Principal and Assistant Principal. It directly supervises assigned students, student teachers, paraprofessionals, and volunteer classroom aides.

Work is primarily indoors and occasionally outdoors. The employee may experience constant interruptions and inflexible deadlines; noise levels range from quiet to moderate. In-district and out-of-town travel may be required for training or job duties. Physical demands include regularly standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing; frequently reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and occasionally lifting or moving up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• Professional Educator License with Self Contained General Education and LBS1 Endorsement or required endorsement.
• Must be NCLB Highly Qualified.
• Knowledge of the “Teach” philosophy.
• Knowledge of behavior management and data collection for students with autism.
• Knowledge of best practices for students with autism.
• Demonstrated leadership, public and community relations, and academic competence.
• Effective behavior-management skills and ability to structure a classroom to maximize student learning.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, orally and in writing.
• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to prepare written materials and present information and respond to questions or complaints.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions; identify problems; collect and analyze data; establish facts; and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, promote a harassment-free environment, work effectively with others, and demonstrate teamwork.
• Ability to learn and use office equipment, computers, and software as systems are updated.
• Ability to work under pressure, balance multiple demands, handle frequent interruptions, work independently with minimum supervision, and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files and records and perform duties in compliance with applicable district, Board, state, and federal laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare instructional plans and sequence learning goals and objectives in accordance with the District Framework.
• Set high learning standards, plan effective use of instructional time, prepare accessible materials and assignments, and systematically evaluate lessons and units.
• Present lessons clearly and logically, state objectives, use varied instructional materials and techniques, assess understanding, summarize lessons, and respond to individual differences.
• Establish and maintain a positive, orderly classroom; supervise students; apply appropriate discipline; and use class time constructively.
• Demonstrate subject-matter knowledge, prepare assessments, provide timely feedback, maintain student achievement records, and follow district and building evaluation policies.
• Participate in IEP meetings and act as case manager for assigned students or students being considered for the program.
• Develop and monitor IEP goals, monitor related-service delivery, conduct regular progress monitoring, and report progress to parents as often as for regular education students.
• Complete the annual inventory and communicate with parents and guardians about student progress.
• Maintain appropriate academic and behavioral expectations for students.
• Maintain district-set daily hours and satisfactory attendance; participate in curriculum development and professional growth; complete assigned tasks on schedule; and maintain efficient records.
• Maintain confidentiality, follow building and district policies, serve as a positive role model, and cooperate in student activities.
• Perform other duties assigned by the principal, special services coordinator, or Director.
• Supervise students assigned to the building, student teachers, paraprofessionals, and volunteer classroom aides.

Benefits

• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of School Inspectors of School District 86, Will County, Illinois, and the Council #86 of the American Federation of Teachers—Local 604 of School District #86.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed