Special Education Teacher

Description

This position is for Pathways Academy, a program serving nonverbal/minimally verbal students with Autism PreK-2nd grade. This is a therapeutic day school serving up to 24 total students in 3 classrooms.

Special Education Teacher Job Description

Employment Type: Full-time | Exempts

Reports To: Site Administrator

Mission: The mission of our program is to provide our students with a high quality of education that offers instruction in both academic and social/emotional realms. The purpose of the academy is to provide students with social/emotional/behavioral issues a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program. Through hands-on instructional experiences, as well as a therapeutic approach in art, music, and movement, the program is designated to meet all of the needs of this diverse student population.

Job Summary: The Special Education Teacher is responsible for delivering individualized instruction and managing a structured, supportive learning environment for students. They develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and integrate therapeutic strategies into daily lessons to support both academic progress and social-emotional growth. The teacher uses evidence-based practices, behavior management techniques, and differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs, while fostering a safe, respectful, and engaging classroom atmosphere that promotes resilience, self-regulation, and long-term success.

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• •Plans and implements research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• •Develops and implements annual IEPs in compliance with state and federal regulations, ensuring meaningful collaboration with parents, related service providers, and team members.
• •Assesses student progress through ongoing data collection and analysis, using data to inform instruction, measure growth, and determine the need for additional support or adjustments to instructional techniques.
• •Employs a variety of teaching strategies, methods, and principles of learning to support the diverse academic and behavioral needs of students.
• •Works cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team to develop and refine instructional goals, behavior supports, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual student needs.
• •Coordinates and ensures the delivery of all special education services as outlined in each student’s IEP.
• •Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation, including data tracking, progress reports, behavior logs, and compliance-related paperwork.
• •Creates a positive, structured, and individualized learning environment that fosters academic, emotional, and behavioral growth.
• •Implements and monitors classroom behavior management systems aligned with individual student behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and school-wide expectations.
• •Participates in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and contributes to the development and implementation of effective Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• •Utilizes trauma-informed practices and de-escalation strategies to support students with significant emotional and behavioral needs.
• •Serves as the primary contact for parents/guardians and maintains regular, professional communication regarding student progress and needs.
• •Provides supervision, direction, and constructive feedback to educational assistants and paraprofessionals as assigned.
• •Collaborates closely with related service providers (e.g., social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists) to integrate therapeutic support into academic instruction.
• •Completes all school, and state reporting requirements accurately and in a timely manner.
• •Engages in ongoing professional development to remain current on best practices in special education, trauma-informed care, behavior management, and instructional methods.
• •Other duties, as assigned.

Benefits:

• •Health Insurance
• •Dental Insurance
• •Vision Insurance
• •Life Insurance
• •401(k) Match
• •Paid Holidays
• •Paid Time Off

Requirements

License/Certification:

Illinois State Board of Education LBS1 OR Early Childhood Special Education License (Required)

Other Requirements:

Background Check, Physical Exam