Special Education Teacher

Illinois Association Of School Boards - Bradley, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Bradley, IL

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About the position

The Special Education Teacher position in Bradley, IL, is designed for educators who are passionate about providing instruction to students with special needs. This role encompasses a wide variety of tasks, including curriculum planning, supervision, and the presentation and reinforcement of learning concepts. The teacher will work in both classroom and resource settings, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially. In this position, the teacher will assist students with classroom activities and collaborate closely with faculty and staff to identify children eligible for Special Education services. Communication with parents is also a key component, as the teacher will share information regarding individual student progress and the overall Special Education program. The teacher is responsible for planning a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students, guiding the learning process toward achieving curriculum goals. The role requires the establishment of clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects, which must be communicated effectively to students. Instructional methods and materials must be tailored to meet these objectives, and the teacher will assess student accomplishments regularly, providing progress reports as required. Collaboration with colleagues, students, and parents is expected at least quarterly to ensure a cohesive educational experience. Maintaining classroom order and developing reasonable rules of behavior are essential duties, as is encouraging students to uphold standards of conduct. The teacher will prepare lesson materials, present subject matter through lectures and discussions, and provide individual or small group tutoring to reinforce learning concepts. Supervising students in various settings, including classrooms, hallways, and during field trips, is also part of the job. The teacher will serve as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team and will be responsible for distributing teaching materials. Enforcing administration policies and completing required reports in a timely manner are also critical aspects of the role. The teacher will employ behavior modification techniques and work with students with multiple disabilities, including those who may be resistive, as part of the Crisis Intervention Team. Maintaining ethical behavior and confidentiality regarding student information is paramount, along with performing any other duties assigned by the Building Administrator or Superintendent.

Responsibilities

• Assist the students with classroom activities.
• Work closely with faculty and staff to identify eligible children for Special Education services.
• Share with parents disseminating information concerning individual student progress and the Special Education program in general.
• Plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
• Employ instructional methods and materials that are appropriate for meeting stated objectives.
• Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues, students, and/or parents on a regular basis, at least quarterly.
• Assist the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct.
• Develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Prepare lesson materials and bulletin board displays as needed.
• Present subject matter to students using lectures and discussions.
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and reinforce learning concepts.
• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, and on field trips.
• Serve as a resource person to the student personnel evaluation team when requested.
• Distribute teaching materials such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students as needed.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
• Complete required reports in a timely manner.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior using techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
• Work with students with multiple physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.
• May work with resistive students as part of the Crisis Intervention Team.
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students.

Requirements

• Hold an elementary school certificate K-9 from the State of Illinois or the equivalent certification qualifying for an Illinois teaching certificate.
• Hold a Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBSI) endorsement.
• Hold a teaching certificate or endorsement in areas such as serious emotional disturbance, autism, cognitive disability, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury, and other health impairment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to work with teachers, education support personnel, building administrators, and the general public.
• Detail-oriented.