SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL TEACHER (SELF-CONTAINED)

SD 163; Park Forest (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 is seeking a Special Education Instructional Teacher (Self-Contained) for Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts in Park Forest, IL. The role focuses on delivering differentiated instruction, IEP development, and collaboration with related service providers to support students with disabilities.

Responsibilities include implementing PBIS, BIPs, and transition planning as appropriate, while adhering to IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and state

Qualifications

• Must have an ISBE-approved Special Education preparation program.
• Clinical/student teaching experience in a SPED setting is preferred.
• Ability to design and deliver instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and DLM.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM).
• Develop and implement IEPs with functional, academic, and life skills goals.
• Utilize adaptive curricula, augmentative communication, and assistive technology tools.
• Implement PBIS and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Collaborate with related service providers and families; participate in multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

IEP development

Behavior management

Differentiated instruction

Collaboration

Education

ISBE-approved SPED prep

Clinical teaching in SPED

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163

SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL TEACHER (SELF-CONTAINED) JobID: 214

• Position Type:
  Student Support Services/ LD/ED Teacher
• Date Posted:
  10/21/2026
• Location:
  Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts
• Closing Date:
  10/26/2026

Grades: 5th - 7th
Qualifications:

• Good physical health
• Clean background check

Educational Preparation
The teacher must have completed an ISBE-approved Special Education preparation program, which includes:

• Coursework in characteristics of learners with disabilities, methods of instruction, assessment, IEP development, and behavior management.
• Clinical/student teaching experiencein a special education setting, ideally with students with multiple needs.

Core Competencies and Skills
A Multi-Needs Special Education Teacher in grades 4-6 must demonstrate:
Instructional Competence

• Ability to design and deliver instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standardsand alternate standards (Dynamic Learning Maps - DLM).
• Competency in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)with functional, academic, and life skills goals.
• Familiarity with adaptive curricula, augmentative communication, and assistive technologytools.

Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support

• Implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Skills in de-escalation, crisis prevention (CPI), and trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively with related service providers(OT, PT, SLP, Social Worker, Nurse), paraprofessionals, and families.
• Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams.

Functional and Daily Living Skills

• Competence in teaching adaptive, vocational, and self-help skillsbased on students' developmental and functional levels.
• Understanding of transition planningand community-based instructionwhere appropriate.

Legal and Ethical Knowledge
Teachers must demonstrate knowledge of:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• 23 IAC Part 226 (Special Education Regulations)
• Confidentiality and FERPArequirements

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate, patient, and resilient demeanor.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction across multiple ability levels.
• Commitment to inclusion and equity for students with disabilities.

Salary: Placement on the Certified Salary Schedule

Postings current as of 10/26/2026 11:05:35 AM CST.

Need Help?

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