Special Education Teacher - Chicago - Therapy

Description

Teach With Heart. Empower Every Learner.

At IEP Therapy, a proud Point Quest partner, we believe that special education teachers are not just educators — they are advocates, encouragers, and everyday heroes. In the classroom, your impact goes far beyond academics. You help students discover their strengths, find their voice, and build confidence in who they are and who they can become.

If you're passionate about meeting students where they are and walking beside them as they grow — academically, socially, and emotionally — we invite you to bring your heart, your skills, and your unwavering dedication to a team that sees every child's potential and works to help them achieve it. Together, we can create a learning environment where all students are supported, included, and celebrated.

At IEP Therapy, a Point Quest Partner, support isn't just a value—it's the foundation of everything we do. We believe that when therapists feel truly supported, they're empowered to make the greatest impact in the lives of the students and schools they serve.

That's why our culture is built on collaboration, encouragement, and continuous professional growth. From your very first day, you'll have access to the tools, resources, and a dedicated team focused on helping you thrive.

Join IEP Therapy and discover the difference a truly supportive workplace can make.

Please note: To be considered for this role, candidates must hold a valid Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS) endorsement issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). We appreciate your interest and kindly ask that applicants ensure these credentials are in place prior to applying.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Short Term Disability Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage
• CEU/License Reimbursement & Tuition Assistance
• HSA/FSA options with FSA Dependent Care
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Paid Time Off
• Supportive, collaborative environment and more

Special Education Teacher Key Responsibilities:

• Lesson Plan Development: Create effective lesson plans that include accommodations and consultation with general education teacher as needed. Plans should accommodate various student levels, include procedures for assessing knowledge, outline the content standards addressed, and specify the curriculum used. Adapt the general education curriculum according to needs outlined in the IEP. 
• Supervision of Paraprofessionals: Oversee and direct paraprofessionals assigned to the classroom. While Program Supervisors and Site Administrators will assist in supervision, it is the teacher's primary responsibility in the classroom.
• Implementation of PBIS Program: Manage the classroom's Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program, including tracking behavior points, maintaining the student store, and communicating with parents/guardians. 
• Classroom Management: Maintain a classroom environment that prioritizes student engagement and safety, implementing the behavior plan, modifying state-adopted curriculum, and employing strategies to effectively teach students with various disabilities.
• IEP Meetings and Documentation: Attend IEP meetings for students assigned to the classroom. Write updates for each student's annual IEP in coordination with the state standards, school district expectations, and enter all IEP updates (Present Levels, BIP, ITP, and Goals) into the dedicated IEP documentation system prior to the meetings. Maintain documentation on IEP goals, student academic and social growth, prepare progress reports. Ensure documentation is accessible and provided upon request in a timely manner. Ensure confidentiality of records according to district and FERPA regulations. 
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other staff and outside agencies to effectively educate each student.
• Assistive Technology: Support implementation and use of assistive technology including, but not limited to, augmentative communication devices. 
• Instructional Planning: Plan instruction and design learning experiences based on data. Conduct summative assessments with each student in accordance with IEP goal reporting timelines. Administer, transfer, and interpret educational assessment data for supporting educational decision making and goal development. 
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development activities as directed by the district including teacher and all staff trainings.  

Special Education Teacher Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. Valid IL LBS PEL from ISBE.
• Experience: Teaching experience with students with a variety of learning, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.
• Background Check: Department of Justice/FBI Background Check (or equivalent state or national fingerprint clearance).
• TB Clearance
• Eligibility to Work: Eligibility to work in the US
• Application Materials: Upload a copy of your transcript and credential with your application.

Special Education Teacher Physical Demands:

• Environment: Occasional exposure to dust, pollen, and fumes.
• Activity: Frequent engagement in tasks such as reaching, handling, standing, walking, and lifting items up to 50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Sensory: Ability to perform essential job functions with or without assistive devices or accommodations, including working in moderate to high noise levels.

This job description reflects essential functions and may be adjusted as needed.

PQI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law.

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