SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (SELF-CONTAINED)

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163; Park Forest (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 is seeking a certified teacher with a Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement to support students with disabilities. Candidates must be experienced in instructional design, crisis prevention techniques, and developing IEPs.

The ideal candidate will possess strong collaboration skills and a commitment to inclusion, as well as a clean background check. The role emphasizes delivering effective educational strategies in accordance with state standards and providing behavioral and social-emotional support.

Qualifications

• Must possess Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) endorsement.
• Good physical health and a clean background check required.
• Must have clinical/student teaching experience in a special education setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standards.
• Implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Work collaboratively with service providers and families.

Skills

Teaching adaptable skills

Behavior intervention strategies

Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams

Instructional design aligned with standards

Crisis prevention techniques

Development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Education

ISBE-approved Special Education preparation program

Tools

Assistive technology

Job description

Qualifications:

1. Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1)endorsement, Pre-K–Age 21
2. Authorized under 23 Illinois Administrative Code 25.43
3. Good physical health
4. Clean background check

Educational Preparation

The teacher must have completed an ISBE-approved Special Education preparation program, which includes:

• Coursework in characteristics of learners with disabilities, methods of instruction, assessment, IEP development, and behavior management.
• Clinical/student teaching experiencein a special education setting, ideally with students with multiple needs.

Core Competencies and Skills

Instructional Competence

• Ability to design and deliver instruction aligned with Illinois Learning Standardsand alternate standards (Dynamic Learning Maps – DLM).
• Competency in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)with functional, academic, and life skills goals.
• Familiarity with adaptive curricula, augmentative communication, and assistive technologytools.

Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support

• Implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Skills in de-escalation, crisis prevention (CPI), and trauma-informed practices.

Collaboration

• Ability to work collaboratively with related service providers(OT, PT, SLP, Social Worker, Nurse), paraprofessionals, and families.
• Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams.

Functional and Daily Living Skills

• Competence in teaching adaptive, vocational, and self-help skillsbased on students’ developmental and functional levels.
• Understanding of transition planningand community-based instructionwhere appropriate.

Legal and Ethical Knowledge

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Illinois School Code – Article 14 (Special Education)
• 23 IAC Part 226 (Special Education Regulations)
• Confidentiality and FERPArequirements

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate, patient, and resilient demeanor.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction across multiple ability levels.
• Commitment to inclusion and equity for students with disabilities.

Salary

Placement on the Certified Salary Schedule