Special Education Teacher

Thresholds; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance plans

403(b) retirement plan

Cell phone reimbursement

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Public service loan forgiveness

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Thresholds High School, an Illinois year-round therapeutic day school, seeks a Special Education Teacher to lead a class of up to 8 students aged 16–21 with mental health needs in Chicago, IL. You’ll design aligned curricula, monitor progress, and document performance with the support of a teacher’s aide.

You will administer tests, maintain records, and help students graduate and transition to the next steps, while leveraging Thresholds’ therapeutic supports and standards-based requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or Special Education is required.
• Currently Licensed LBS1 required.
• Experience with IEPs preferred.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training is provided by Thresholds.

Responsibilities

• Lead a classroom of up to 8 students.
• Develop a course of study aligned with district/state requirements.
• Tailor lesson plans for multiple academic levels.
• Supervise with an aide and monitor student performance.
• Administer standardized tests and maintain records.

Skills

Mental health advocacy

Communication skills

Patience

Writing skills

Experience with HS students (mental il

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or Special Education

Master's degree preferred

Job description

You can make a difference in the lives of young people as a Special Education Teacher for Thresholds High School! An Illinois State Board of Education certified all year round therapeutic day school, Thresholds High School serves students ages 16 to 21 years old with ongoing serious mental health needs. Operating year-round, the school provides a distinct combination of flexibility and support to help students achieve both their high school diploma and their transition goals. Students also benefit from the Young Adult Program's rich therapeutic supports that address anxiety, frustration, school refusal, and other issues that derailed their academic success in other schools.

As the lead teacher in the classroom, you will educate a class of up to 8 students. You will develop a course of study according to curriculum guidelines of the school district and state requirements. These lesson plans will be tailored for three or more levels of academic ability and previous achievement, and in alignment with the students' IEPs. You will supervise the students in the classroom and instruct the class each day with the assistance of a teacher’s aide. You will monitor and grade student performance, supporting the youth in their academic achievement, graduating, and preparing for their next steps. Documentation is also key, so you will conduct standardized tests in accordance with district policies and state laws as well as keep records of academic performance, attendance, and social acclimation.

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Patience and willingness to meet youth where they're at
• Good writing skills and attention to detail
• Previous experience working with high school aged children dealing with mental illness
• To be able to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and the mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor. This training is provided and required by Thresholds.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or Special Education is required. Master's degree preferred.
• Previous IEP writing experience preferred.
• Current Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) license required.

What sets Thresholds apart:

• No after school or weekend responsibilities
• Competitive pay - Base Salary: $64,000 - 75,000 annually
  • Commensurate with education and experience
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• Dental insurance, vision insurance,4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Public service loan forgiveness

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission.

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.