Special Education Teacher

About the position

The position involves working with students to identify their needs and develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that comply with State and Federal Guidelines. The role requires coordination and implementation of these plans, ensuring that students receive appropriate support and instruction tailored to their individual needs. The educator will create a conducive learning environment, develop lesson plans, and conduct assessments to monitor student progress. Collaboration with parents, staff, and other stakeholders is essential to promote student success and maintain compliance with educational regulations.

Responsibilities

• Identify student needs, make appropriate referrals, and develop Individual Education Plans (IEP) that meet State and Federal Guidelines.
• Coordinate, implement, and support students' Individual Education Plan, including long-range goals and short-term objectives.
• Develop and administer comprehensive lesson plans and instructional materials that allow for the provision of individualized, whole group, or small group research-based instruction.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning that supports optimal educational experiences as well as social and emotional well being.
• Plan and conduct activities that provide a balanced program of instruction, including allowing time and opportunity for students to observe, question and investigate.
• Foster cooperative social and emotional behavior through activities/group projects, and assist students in forming satisfying relationships with staff and peers.
• Screen and provide instructional supports for English Language Learners.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of the academic, behavioral, emotional and physical performance of each student.
• Confer with parents/guardians, teachers, support staff, specialist, and administrators in a positive and productive manner in attempts to resolve student behavioral and academic problems.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare all reports and paperwork as required by federal and state laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
• Promote parent participation and involvement in educational activities and IEP meetings and decisions.
• Attend meetings called by the Principal and Director/Assist. Director of Special Services.
• Establish, implement, and enforce rules and procedures related to appropriate classroom behavior.
• Maintain CPI certification, as required.
• Provide a variety of motivators to students to assist them in achieving their fullest intellectual potentials.
• Assist students in the development of self-esteem by providing opportunities for classroom successes and by fostering positive peer relationships.
• Provide adequate information to applicable stakeholders for meetings and conferences when considering placement or reassignment of students.
• Establish and maintain ongoing communication with staff as required.
• Maintain effective communication with parent/guardian to promote home/school cooperation.
• Procure instructional materials and supplies necessary to facilitate the long-range goals for Least Restrictive Educational programming.
• Work cooperatively with the PTO and community.
• Provide input regarding the curriculum to the Principal and Special Education Department.
• Develop a personal plan for continued professional growth.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for support staff and provide input to admin on their job performance as requested.
• Coordinate the appropriate distribution of classroom accommodations, supplementary aids and services, and behavior intervention plans with applicable staff.
• Maintain compliance with Special Education paperwork and procedures.
• Coordinate, organize and manage IEP meetings.
• Work cooperatively with general education classroom teachers to modify work, curriculum, and instruction.
• Accept other responsibilities and duties, relevant to teaching assignment, as may be assigned by administration.

Requirements

• Appropriately licensed/certified (LBS1) by the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Competence in a variety of teaching and behavioral methodologies and strategies.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse populations.
• Competence in the use of technology, diagnostic tools, and other instructional materials.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Positive attitude and excellent work ethic/organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• High level of professionalism and ethics.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance