Special Education Teacher

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education; West Chicago Township (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

Telehealth and Virtual Counseling

Life & Disability Insurance

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Growth & Development Opportunities

Job summary

Ombudsman Educational Services is seeking a Special Education Teacher to lead instruction for high school students (Grades 9-12) with IEPs, in learning centers or classrooms. The role emphasizes differentiated instruction, adaptive curricula, and PBIS to meet diverse needs.

Responsibilities include managing a caseload, preparing detailed lesson plans, and collaborating with families and staff to support at-risk students. Salary ranges and a compliance bonus accompany the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
• IL state PEL credential either current or in process.
• IL state SEE or LBS1 credential either current or in process.
• Ability to obtain crisis management training.
• Experience with high school level, alternative education or behavioral health programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructional process for Grades 9–12 with IEPs.
• Deliver differentiated instruction and tailored lesson plans.
• Collaborate with parents, colleagues, and administrators.
• Document progress and generate reports detailing student achievements.
• Maintain a safe, organized classroom and manage IEP goals and interventions.
• Support PBIS implementation school-wide and in the classroom.

Skills

PBIS implementation

IEP coordination

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

IL PEL credential (in process)

IL SEE or LBS1 credential (in process)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Educational software

Job description

Chicago West | Ombudsman Educational Service

3210 W Roosevelt Rd

Chicago, IL 60624, USA

• Pay range: $60,000 USD to $70,000 USD
• Final offers extended based on experience, qualifications and other job-related details.

Description

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

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!

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.

• 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.

Perks and Benefits Include

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.