Special Education Teacher (LBS1)

Job Posting: Special Education Teacher

ExcelPrep — Champaign, Illinois

Position Overview

ExcelPrep is seeking a highly qualified, mission-aligned Special Education Teacher to join our team in Champaign, Illinois. This is a full-time, on-site opportunity for an educator who is passionate about supporting neurodiverse learners through structured, research-based, and data-driven instruction.

The ideal candidate will bring strong instructional expertise, a deep commitment to student growth, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary educational and therapeutic environment.

About ExcelPrep

ExcelPrep is a mission-driven private program serving neurodiverse children through structured, research-based instruction. Our mission is simple: to prioritize the academic and social success of neurodiverse learners.

We are a professional and agile organization committed to delivering high-quality academic and therapeutic programming that supports meaningful learning outcomes. Our goal is to provide a nurturing, academically focused environment where students develop strong academic foundations, cognitive-linguistic skills, and the confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond.

The Bloomington program reflects the same model and standards as ExcelPrep’s Champaign program, with a strong emphasis on instructional excellence, data-based decision making, and integrated academic and therapeutic support.

Our Programs

PreK–8 Academic Program

Our PreK–8 Academic Program is grounded in Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching. Instruction focuses on core academic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics, through explicit and systematic teaching methods that emphasize:

• Mastery

• Fluency

• Generalization

This program is designed for students with learning disabilities and neurodiverse profiles who benefit from structured, data-driven instruction.

Clinical ABA Program (Ages 3–13)

Our Clinical ABA Program is cognition-linguistically based and emphasizes cognitive skill development and social behavior learning within a structured instructional environment. The program integrates Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with teaching strategies that support:

• Language development

• Reasoning

• Executive functioning

• Social competence

Instruction is individualized, data-driven, and focused on building foundational skills that support learning, communication, and independence.

Instructional and Therapeutic Framework

Across ExcelPrep programs, we center:

• Direct Instruction and instructional design

• Precision Teaching and data-based decision making

• Instruction grounded in behavior science research

• Occupational Therapy as a prioritized therapy alongside ABA in support of sensory-motor development

Position Summary

The Special Education Teacher will play a central role in delivering high-quality instruction and individualized support for neurodiverse learners. This individual will be responsible for planning and implementing structured academic programming, monitoring student progress, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining a classroom environment that supports strong academic, behavioral, and social outcomes.

This role is well suited for an educator who values professionalism, precision, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction and Student Programming

• Provide individualized and small-group instruction to students with diverse academic, behavioral, and developmental needs

• Design and implement instructional programming aligned with student profiles, goals, and learning needs

• Deliver explicit, systematic instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and related academic readiness skills

• Apply research-based methodologies, including Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching, to support student mastery, fluency, and generalization

• Differentiate instruction within a structured educational setting to meet a range of learner needs

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring

• Collect, analyze, and interpret student performance data to inform instructional planning

• Monitor progress toward individualized academic, behavioral, and developmental goals

• Make timely instructional adjustments based on objective student data

• Maintain accurate, organized, and compliant student records, reports, and documentation

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, ABA staff, Occupational Therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members

• Communicate professionally and effectively with families regarding student progress, goals, and instructional strategies

• Participate actively in team meetings, case discussions, planning sessions, and school-wide initiatives

Classroom and Program Support

• Foster a structured, supportive, and academically focused classroom environment

• Support implementation fidelity of instructional and behavior support systems

• Participate in training, coaching, and ongoing professional development

• Contribute to program refinement and continuous improvement efforts

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Education, or a closely related field

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement, or eligibility to obtain appropriate Illinois credentials

• Experience working with students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodiverse learning profiles

• Strong knowledge of individualized instruction, structured teaching practices, and progress monitoring

• Demonstrated ability to use student data to guide instructional decision-making

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and evidence-based educational practice

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Education, Psychology, or a related field

• Experience with Direct Instruction and/or Precision Teaching

• Familiarity with ABA principles and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Experience in a private school, specialized educational setting, clinical setting, or therapeutic learning environment

• Knowledge of cognitive-linguistic, behavioral, and sensory-motor learning needs

• Bilingual or multilingual abilities

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be:

• Deeply aligned with ExcelPrep’s mission

• Skilled in supporting neurodiverse learners through structured instruction

• Organized, reflective, and data-driven

• Comfortable in a high-accountability, collaborative environment

• Committed to continuous improvement and high professional standards

• Focused on achieving meaningful academic and social outcomes for students

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site position in Champaign, Illinois

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary workplace

• Professional and agile organizational culture

• Strong emphasis on student outcomes, instructional quality, and research-based practice

Compensation and Benefits

ExcelPrep offers a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications, which may include:

• Competitive salary

• Health, dental, and vision benefits

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development and training

• Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Copy of Illinois teaching license or documentation of licensure eligibility

• Professional references

Application Email: careers@excelprep.org
Subject Line: Special Education Teacher – Champaign

Equal Opportunity Statement

ExcelPrep is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome candidates who are passionate about advancing meaningful outcomes for neurodiverse learners and contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven educational environment.