Special Education Teacher 2026-2027

The Illinois Association of School Administrators; Vandalia (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick days

Personal days

TRS contribution

Education tuition support

Mentoring

Professional development

Job summary

The Illinois Association of School Administrators is seeking a dedicated educator to provide direct instruction and IEP-based support, helping students progress toward goals in Vandalia, IL. The role emphasizes planning, data-driven instruction, and collaboration with district staff and families.

Key requirements include an ISBE Professional Educator License with special education endorsement, a valid driver’s license, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• ISBE Professional Educator License with special education endorsement.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance as required by IL law.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction enabling progress toward IEP goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues, district staff, and families on IEP development and implementation.
• Maintain effective classroom management and a safe learning environment.
• Ensure IEP compliance and coordinate related services and documentation.
• Maintain accurate student records and monitor timelines.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

ISBE Professional Educator License with special education endorsement

Job description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS – May include, but are not limited to, the following:

INSTRUCTION & SUPPORT - Provides direct instruction that enables the student to progress toward goals and objectives on the IEP. Schedules/plans/monitors interventions using a variety of service delivery models to meet students’ needs. Maintains and utilizes student data to guide instruction and IEP development;

COLLABORATION – Collaborates and consults with colleagues, district staff, other school personnel, and parents on developing and implementing students’ individual educational programs. Directs and supports paraprofessionals and other staff in the implementation of each IEP. Assists in analyzing the need for interventions and/or special education services;

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT - Maintains effective classroom management to create a positive learning environment that is safe for all children. Implements individual and group behavior intervention programs to improve student performance. Participates in required professional training and utilizes trainings to assist students in learning and in being safe;

IEP COMPLIANCE - Manages the development and implementation of Individual Educational Programs (including Transition Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans) for each assigned student based on individually assessed needs. Monitors and reports on the progress of students on teacher’s class list. Ensures IEP modifications/ accommodations are implemented for students under the teacher’s direction. Provides all statutorily required notices and requests, as required, for purposes of complying with the IDEA and related state and federal regulations. Coordinates all the necessary supportive services to meet individual student needs;

STUDENT RECORDS – Maintains accurate records for each child (i.e. IEPs, parent contacts, progress reports, assessment data, grades). Monitors student class lists and meets all special education timelines; and

OTHER - Assists individual children in need of special attention (may include, but is not limited to: changing clothes, changing diapers, feeding, self-care, hygiene, lifting/transferring, monitoring health problems, monitoring behaviors). Performs other duties and additional responsibilities, as assigned.

Employees in this position must be able to (a) sit or stand for extended periods of time, (b) type/enter data into computer, (c) stand, walk, bend over, reach, push/pull up to 10 lbs., and lift/carry up to 25-40 lbs.

EXPECTATIONS:

Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students, families, and school employees

Communicates effectively with staff, students, and parents

Displays fairness, patience, self-control, and impartiality for all students and staff

Work cooperatively and effectively with others

Performs and completes duties within legally mandated timelines

Adheres to designated work schedule

Follows policies and procedures of the district(s)/ building(s) to which the teacher is assigned

Adheres to established rules, regulations, laws, and appropriate ethical standards

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• ISBE Professional Educator License with appropriate special education endorsement or approval
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills
• Possess a valid driver’s license and maintains automotive insurance coverage as required by IL law

Salary/Benefits

Salary/Benefits:

• Depending on years of experience; range between $44,304 + 9% TRS contribution to $85,672 + 9% TRS contribution.
• Benefits include 15 sick days, 3 personal days, TRS and insurance contribution, college tuition contribution towards continuing education that benefits our organization offered, retirement incentives, mentoring provided, professional development opportunities, and the support provided.

Terms of Employment:

• Full-Time Permanent – 180 Day Position with potential to attend paid professional development prior to the start of the school year
• Start Date - August 2026
• 8:0/4:0 with a 30 minute lunch

Additional Notes

Thrive MSSE Public Day School is a separate public day school ran by Mid-State Special Education Cooperative. We serve 13 school districts: Bond, Brownstown, Carlinville, Edinburg, Hillsboro, Litchfield, Morrisonville, Mulberry Grove, Panhandle, Ramsey, St. Elmo, South Fork, and Vandalia. The new public day school will be located inside of 1500 W. Jefferson St. in Vandalia, IL. We are planning on having 3 classrooms with paraprofessional support, a School Social Worker, Principal, Secretary, and all related services needed for student success. We will provide similar supports that a private day school offers, but we pay the full 9% towards TRS benefits. We are a special education cooperative that is made up of 55+ amazing professionals that include the Director, clerical staff, School Psychologist, School Social Workers, Program Coordinators, Transition Specialists, Teachers, Paraprofessionals, BCBA and RBT services, OT, PT, Speech Services, secretary, custodian, instruction for DHH students as well as VI students, and O&M services. Come and join us for this great adventure of starting something that is VERY much needed in the area; a 100% special education public day school.