Special Education Teacher and Curriculum & Instruction Lead

Fusion Academy; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Fusion Academy, a non-public special education school, is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher and Curriculum & Instruction Lead starting Fall 2025. This hybrid role combines teaching and leadership in curriculum development, aiming to foster academic success for neurodiverse students through personalized learning strategies.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Health Savings Account (HSA) opportunity

Tax-advantaged commuter benefits

Employee assistance program

401(k) plan with company match

Qualifications

• 2+ years of teaching experience, leadership experience preferred.
• Expert knowledge in instructional design and personalized learning.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver individualized instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized and small group instruction aligned to student IEPs.
• Lead curriculum and instructional initiatives for the school.
• Mentor and coach teachers to enhance instructional quality.

Skills

Instructional design

Personalized learning

Coaching skills

Collaboration skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Valid Illinois PEL with LBS1 endorsement

Job description

Position Summary:
Our Non-Public Special Education School is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Teacher and Curriculum & Instruction Lead to join our team in a leadership role beginning Fall 2025. This hybrid position combines direct teaching responsibilities with leadership in curriculum and instruction domains. This position plays a vital role in the academic and instructional success of the school by combining high-quality, individualized teaching with strategic oversight of curriculum, instruction, and teacher development. The ideal candidate will be a content and pedagogical expert in 1:1 and small group instruction and will lead initiatives that support personalized learning for neurodiverse students.

This role will also serve as a mentor to new and experienced teachers, ensuring onboarding success and alignment with school-wide instructional goals and compliance standards. As a key member of the school leadership team, the Curriculum & Instruction Lead will collaborate with district partners, oversee school testing and accommodations, and help guide the academic path for each student.

Pay Range: $35.00–45.00 per hour USD

Key Responsibilities Include:

Instruction & Case Management:
• Deliver individualized and small group instruction aligned to student IEPs in grades 6–12.
• Differentiate curriculum to meet diverse learning profiles, integrating academic and SEL goals.
• Maintain open and regular communication with families and related service providers.
• Mentor students and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed school culture.

Instructional Leadership & School Quality:
• Lead curriculum and instructional initiatives to ensure alignment with the school's mission and student outcomes.
• Coach and mentor teachers through modeling, feedback, and professional growth cycles.
• Oversee the onboarding and mentorship of new teachers, ensuring early success and instructional consistency.
• Oversee school-wide MAP testing administration and testing accommodations.
• Collaborate with leadership on student graduation requirements and individualized academic pathways.
• Schedule and lead student-centered meetings with teaching teams to review progress and support academic planning.
• Design and implement a school-wide professional development plan in collaboration with the Head of School.
• Ensure fidelity to IEP implementation, instructional best practices, and school improvement goals.

Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications Required:
• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Valid Illinois PEL with LBS1 endorsement.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in teaching; leadership or coaching experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and oversee effective individualized instruction.

Competencies Desired:
• Expert knowledge of instructional design and personalized learning.
• Exceptional coaching, collaboration, and facilitation skills.
• Proven leadership in inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic school setting.
• Self-motivated, compassionate, and reflective team player.
• Commitment to equity, continuous improvement, and innovation in education.

Benefits:
Note that pay may vary based on location, skills, and experience.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full time employees which generally includes:
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• An opportunity to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Tax-advantaged commuter benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Sick time, paid holidays and vacation in accordance with company policy and state law
• Accident and life insurance as well as short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility

We offer a package for part time employees which generally includes:
• Sick time and paid holidays in accordance with company policy
• Tax-advantaged commuter benefits
• Employee assistance program
• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. If a bonus applies, more information will be given at offer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex.

Requirements

• Please see above requirements