Special Education Teacher

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 70,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

Telehealth and Counseling

Life & Disability Insurance

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Paid Time Off

School Hours and Holiday Schedule

Growth & Development

Discount Program

Job summary

Ombudsman Educational Services, a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, seeks a Special Education Teacher for Grades 9-12 in our Alternative Education program.

Starting salary is $60,000–$70,000 per year based on experience plus a $2,000 per semester compliance bonus. You will design IEP-based instruction, collaborate with staff, and support students with diverse needs.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in education, special education or a closely related field.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator (PEL) credential.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state special education SEE or LBS1 credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in crisis management training.
Prior experience with curriculum development, differentiation and instruction at high school level; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Prior experience and knowledge in special education services and compliance for students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or challenging behaviors.
IEP experience and working with students with IEPs.
Proven success in developing and implementing education plans for at-risk students with diverse needs.
Proficiency in motivating students and conducting difficult conversations.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making.
Ability to think quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Knowledge of instructional technology including Microsoft Office, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Responsibilities

Create an inclusive, collaborative environment involving students, parents, colleagues, and administrators in the educational process.
Establish classroom climate with mutual respect, fairness, and PBIS, focusing on social development and accountability.
Implement and reinforce PBIS strategies, rewards, and consequences.
Track and document student progress and generate comprehensive reports.
Deliver differentiated instruction solo or in co-teaching to meet IEP goals.
Adapt curricula and instructional approaches for diverse learners and guide staff on differentiation.
Use varied instructional methods and educational software to support diverse needs.
Manage student caseload, develop and implement IEPs, goals and interventions.
Prepare detailed daily lesson plans and organize instructional materials aligned to standards.
Maintain a safe, organized classroom and manage supplies effectively.
Stay informed on research-based practices and pursue ongoing professional growth.
Respond to feedback from evaluations and contribute to program improvements.
Support school community by performing additional duties as assigned.

Skills

PBIS implementation

IEP development

Differentiated instruction

Classroom management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related

IL PEL credential

IL SEE or LBS1 credential

Crisis management training certification

Experience with high school curriculum

Tools

Microsoft Office

Educational software

Database entry

Job description

Starting Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 /year based on experience PLUS $2,000 per semester compliance bonus!

Environment: Alternative Education Program, Grades 9-12

Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Special Education Teacher to join our award-winning Alternative Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you're passionate about empowering students with diverse learning needs, thrive in a collaborative and dynamic educational environment, and bring creativity, patience, a solution-focused mindset, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to student growth — We Should Talk!

As a Special Education Teacher, you will lead the instructional process for students in Grades 9-12 with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), designing dynamic and personalized learning experiences within the learning center and/or classroom. Your role includes delivering targeted instruction, utilizing innovative curriculum resources, integrating educational software, and creating comprehensive lesson plans and schedules tailored to the diverse physical, emotional, and educational needs of each student, in alignment with state and school standards.

Responsibilities Include:

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.

Qualifications Required:

Bachelor's degree or higher in education, special education or a closely related field of study.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator (PEL) credential.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state special education SEE or LBS1 credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience working with curriculum development, differentiation and instruction at a high school level; 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 disturbance and/or challenging behaviors.
Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
Proven success in developing and implementing effective education plans for at-risk 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.

Ombudsman Educational Services is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!

Perks and Benefits Include: