Special Education Teacher

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ombudsman Educational Services, a ChanceLight division, seeks a Special Education Teacher for Grades 7-12 in an Alternative Education environment. You will design individualized lessons, implement IEP goals, and collaborate with staff to support diverse learners.

Responsibilities include PBIS-based classroom management, co-teaching, progress tracking, and delivering differentiated instruction using educational software. IL state credentials required; extensive growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field.
• IL state professional educator credential (PEL) in progress or active.
• IL state special education (SEE) credential in progress or active.
• Ability to obtain crisis management training certification.
• Experience with IEPs, curriculum development, and high school instruction.

Responsibilities

• Lead instruction for grades 7–12 with IEP goals.
• Deliver differentiated, targeted instruction and co-teach as needed.
• Create detailed lesson plans aligned to state standards.
• Track student progress and maintain accurate files and reports.
• Apply PBIS strategies to manage behavior and promote learning.
• Incorporate educational software and technology in lessons.

Skills

PBIS knowledge

Differentiated instruction

Co-teaching

IEP experience

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

IL PEL credential (in progress)

IL SEE credential (in progress)

Crisis management training certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Starting Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 /year based on experience

Environment: Alternative Education Program, Grades 7-12

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 7-12 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) credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience working with curriculum development, classroom management, differentiation and instruction at a high school level; preferably in an alternative, special education or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• 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 at various levels.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• 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!

Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

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!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.