Special Education Teacher

Illinois Education Job Bank; Countryside (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

Medical insurance (BCBS of IL)

Dental and vision insurance

Employer-paid Life/AD&D and disability

EAP and wellness programs

Generous PTO and holidays

Student loan forgiveness program

Job summary

Helping Hand is seeking a Special Education Teacher for a Therapeutic Day School. You will lead instruction, develop IEPs, mentor staff, and foster a safe, inclusive environment for students ages 3–22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

You will collaborate with families and a multidisciplinary team, stay current on regulations, and support equity and inclusion. On-site, 40 hours/week with a salary of $68,000-$75,000 and up to 8% annual bonus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in special education or related field.
• LBS1 K-12 endorsement through ISBE.
• EC endorsement if Early Childhood teacher; in process considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and monitor IEPs for students.
• Plan and deliver individualized instruction using adaptable methods and educational technology.
• Modify content and delivery to meet diverse learning needs.
• Conduct formal and informal assessments and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Create a safe, structured, inclusive classroom environment.
• Implement behavior-support plans and crisis-prevention strategies.
• Provide supervision and training to Instructional Teaching Assistants.
• Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams to support students.
• Maintain accurate IEPs, progress reports, and records.
• Participate in IEP meetings, conferences, and required trainings.
• Stay current on special education laws and best practices.
• Communicate professionally with students, families, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Promote the organization’s values and inclusive culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Classroom leadership

Crisis management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Educational technology

Education

Bachelor's degree in special education

LBS1 K-12 endorsement

EC endorsement (if EC teacher)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Zoom

Job description

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in a mission-driven school setting? Helping Hand is looking for a passionateSpecial Education Teacherto join our award-winning Therapeutic Day School.

You'll lead instruction, develop IEPs, mentor support staff, and create a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for students ages 3-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Develop, implement, and regularly review Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) based on each student’s strengths, needs, and progress.
• Plan and deliver individualized instruction using adaptable teaching methods, educational technology, and evidence-based practices.
• Modify instructional content and delivery to support diverse learning needs and provide multiple ways for students to engage and demonstrate understanding.
• Conduct formal and informal assessments, monitor student progress, and adjust instruction as needed.
• Create a safe, structured, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.
• Implement behavior-support plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and emergency procedures in accordance with Helping Hand standards.
• Provide supervision, leadership, and training to Instructional Teaching Assistants.
• Collaborate with teachers, paraprofessionals, families, and multidisciplinary team members to address student needs and support positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely IEPs, progress reports, attendance records, assessments, and other required documentation.
• Participate in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, agency meetings, and required training.
• Remain current on special education laws, regulations, best practices, and emerging instructional strategies.
• Communicate professionally and build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Promote Helping Hand’s values and contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in special education or a related field required.
• LBS1 K-12 endorsement through ISBE.
• Must have EC endorsement if Early Childhood teacher. Will consider if in the process of obtaining.

Experience:

• 2 years of experience working with children 3 - 21 years old with developmental or intellectual disabilities (preferred).
• Experience with autism spectrum disorders (preferred).
• Knowledge of ISBE regulations around IEPs (preferred).
• Knowledge of learning methods, instructional methods and techniques.

Skill Sets:

• Computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Skilled in classroom leadership, team collaboration, and crisis management.
• The ability to fulfill all necessary training requirements, including but not limited to crisis management.
• The ability to stay current and have a strong understanding of special education laws and regulations.
• The ability to stay current with best practices and new developments in special education.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

Salary/Benefits

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, weekdays, 40 hours per week
• Salary range: $68,000-$75,000/year (Salary/Exempt).
• Salary based on skills and experience.
• Up to 8% annual bonus potential
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose-driven work that changes lives.
• Tuition reimbursement and clear career growth opportunities.
• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability.
• Team member appreciation events and year-round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• Generous PTO including paid holidays, personal time, paid school breaks, and accrued sick time.
• PSLF-qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Additional Notes

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Year-round school schedule with numerous paid breaks throughout the year.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about to assist students, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Consistently position self to maintain files in file cabinets or assist students.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in all situations.
• Occasional movement of students by wheelchair or other mechanical devices.
• The person in this position may encounter students exhibiting physical aggression; must be comfortable working in periods of crisis and feel comfortable de‑escalating individually or as a team.

Helping Hand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that embracing our differences strengths our community and enhances the quality of care we provide.

Link to District/Third Party Online Application Web Page

District Name Helping Hand School for Autistic Children Building Name Address 9649 W. 55th St
Countryside, IL 60525 Phone [phone] Fax [phone] IASA Region County Cook Employment Type Full-time permanent Job Category Special Education PK-Age 21 Grade Level Other