Special Education Teacher - Chicago

Eyas Landing; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO and holidays

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Continuing education and CEUs

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Merlin Day Academy in Chicago, IL, is seeking a Special Education Teacher for a therapeutic day program serving children 6–14 with autism and neurodiverse needs. You will design and implement IEPs and support growth across academic, social, and emotional domains.

Role emphasizes collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and a relationship-based, family-centered approach. Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm, with comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required.
• Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement (LBS1) required.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) required.
• Experience working with neurodiverse students.
• Ability to lift 35lbs.

Responsibilities

• Individualized classroom instruction and instructional coaching.
• Design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Support students in meeting Illinois State Learning Standards.
• Collaborate with therapy team, caregivers and professionals to maximize learning.

Skills

LBS1 endorsement

PEL license

Experience with neurodiverse students

Ability to lift 35lbs

Education

Master's Degree

Job description

Special Education Teacher - Therapeutic Day Program

Chicago, IL | Clinic-Based | Predictable Monday–Friday, 8am-4:30 PM schedule - no evenings or weekends.

Compensation & Benefits

• Total Compensation Package: Valued between $80,000-$87,000.
• Annual Salary: $65,000–$70,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual merit-based increases.
• Comprehensive Benefits Packages: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and employee assistance programs.
• Paid time off and holidays: Generous PTO, 7 paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday.
• Growth and Learning: Continuing education and approved CEUs with annual reimbursement increases.
• Professional Advancement: Opportunities to develop skills and take on additional leadership responsibilities, including: Department Lead, Department Head, Safety-Care Instructor, Onboarder, and CPR Instructor.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Available for all employees; company match $1 for $1 for first 3% and $.50 for $1 up to another 2%.
• Flexibility For New Parents
• Free Onsite Parking

About The Role

Merlin Day Academy is an intensive therapeutic day program providing education and therapeutic intervention in a supportive classroom environment for children ages 6-14 with autism, AHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse needs. Our relationship-based, family-centered approach focuses on helping students build the skills that foster success in their community and beyond. As a Special Education Teacher, you will design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) in a classroom setting to support our clients academic, social, and emotional growth.

Responsibilities

• Individualized classroom instruction and instructional coaching.
• Design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Support students in meeting Illinois State Learning Standards.
• Collaborate with therapy team, caregivers and professionals to maximize learning.

Knowledge And Skills Required

• Master's Degree required
• Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement (LBS1) required
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) required
• Experience working with neurodiverse students
• Ability to lift 35lbs

Why Join Merlin Day Academy?

Make an impact in the lives of children and their families by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide innovative, therapeutic interventions in an education setting. This is your chance to work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your skills and dedication are valued.

Salary: $65000 - $70000 per year