Special Education Teacher

Nexus Family Healing; Onarga (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$2,000 sign-on bonus for licensed LBS1 teachers

Small class sizes

Tuition assistance

Health insurance options

401(k) match

Training on mental health & trauma informed care

Paid time off

Job summary

A behavioral health organization in Onarga, IL, is seeking a Special Education Teacher to provide direct support to students with disabilities. You'll conduct evaluations, develop IEPs, and maintain an engaging learning environment. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in education and an active teaching certification. With a salary range of $58,000 to $66,000 and numerous benefits including a sign-on bonus and PTO, this position offers valuable opportunities for growth and impact in children's lives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an educational discipline.
• Active teacher's licensure/certification required.
• LBS1 licensure OR willing to obtain within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction and support to students with disabilities.
• Conduct academic evaluations and write reports for assessments.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Plans.

Skills

Direct instruction

Behavior management

Individualized Education Plans

Assessment interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in education

Master's degree in education (nice to have)

Job description

Overview

Nexus Family Healing is hiring a Special Education Teacher for Grand Prairie School at our Onarga, IL location. Nexus-Onarga Family Healing is located approximately 30 miles south of Kankakee and 45 miles north of Champaign-Urbana, just a few miles off of I-57 on a historic site in Onarga, IL. We provide a structured, homelike environment for boys ages 10 to 20 years old to address behavioral and mental health issues and childhood trauma. The school offers special education with small classes for grades 5-12.

Location & Work Schedule

Location: Onarga, IL. Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00 am‑3:30 pm.

Year‑round school with holidays off & pre‑scheduled paid break weeks. 8 additional days of paid time off per calendar year for new employees.

Salary

$58,000‑$66,000 annually, based on credentials and years of teaching experience.

Work Environment

• Assist staff in proper restraining of youths.
• Lift up to 50 lb unassisted, up to 100 lb with assistance.
• Stand and walk for extended periods (2‑4 hours).
• Twist, bend and stretch as required.

Benefits

• $2,000 sign‑on bonus for licensed LBS1 teachers, paid over 18 months.
• Small class sizes.
• Full‑time paraprofessional in each classroom.
• Behavior Intervention Team.
• Residential program staff throughout the day.
• Tuition assistance.
• 8 days PTO plus scheduled break weeks (Christmas, Spring, June, August).
• Training on mental health & trauma informed care.
• Internal advancement opportunities.
• Health insurance options, life insurance, disability insurance.
• 401(k) match.
• Talkspace & Hinge Health benefits for family.
• Fertility benefit.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction and support to students with disabilities in inclusion and/or special education settings.
• Conduct academic evaluations and write reports for initial and triennial assessments.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Share IEP progress updates with parents.
• Prepare for and participate in IEP meetings for both inclusion and self‑contained students.
• Interpret assessment data to inform instructional decisions.
• Collect and analyze student performance data to guide instruction and improve outcomes.
• Administer and interpret formal and informal assessments.
• Adapt materials to align with IEP goals and general curriculum.
• Ensure compliance with IEP timelines and evaluation requirements.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Plan instruction tailored to students’ individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• Maintain a classroom environment supportive of learning and student development.
• Plan and oversee tasks for paraprofessionals.
• Prepare lesson plans and provide documentation upon request.
• Promote positive student behavior and classroom standards.
• Set clear learning objectives aligned with curriculum goals.
• Implement the district’s educational philosophy and instructional objectives.
• Regularly assess student progress and provide required reports.
• Maintain accurate and compliant student records and documentation.
• Collect data and prepare reports per legal and district guidelines.
• Support enforcement of school policies and maintain classroom order fairly.
• Follow all company policies, training, and certification requirements.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in required committees.
• Apply accommodations, modifications, UDL, and differentiation.
• Ensure safety of students, equipment, and facilities.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with laws and district policies.
• Enforce school rules and maintain a structured classroom environment.
• Align instruction with the district’s educational philosophy and goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in an educational discipline.
• Active teacher’s licensure/certification required.
• LBS1 licensure OR willing to obtain within 1 year (financial assistance provided).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful DCFS criminal background check.

Nice to Have

• Minimum of 2 years of previous teaching experience.
• Master’s degree in an educational discipline.

Values & Behavioral Competencies

• Innovation: leading the way and implementing creative, cutting‑edge ideas.
• Compassion: listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern.
• Agility: exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly.
• Responsiveness: being quick, positive, and accurate.
• Excellence: demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.

At Nexus Family Healing, we recognize, affirm, and respect people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, and faith.

APPLY TODAY TO BE CONTACTED BY OUR RECRUITING TEAM! When you work at Nexus, you have the opportunity to change lives—including your own!

Salary Description

$58,000‑$66,000 annually.