Special Education Teacher

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Special Education Teacher serves as the Classroom Program Manager for a highly specialized therapeutic learning environment serving students with multiple, severe to profound disabilities, including students who are blind or visually impaired. In addition to providing high-quality, individualized instruction, the teacher is responsible for coordinating all aspects of classroom programming to ensure safe, accessible, meaningful, and evidence-based educational experiences for every student. Through thoughtful leadership, data-driven decision making, and therapeutic instructional practices, the Special Education Teacher ensures that each student's educational program promotes communication, functional independence, self-determination, community participation, and lifelong success.

The essential duties are as follows: 

Classroom Program & Management Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and oversee the daily operation of the classroom instructional program.
• Establish classroom systems, routines, schedules, and procedures that maximize instructional time, student engagement, safety, and independence.
• Develop individualized instructional schedules based on student IEPs, therapeutic recommendations, and functional learning priorities.
• Coordinate the implementation of classroom programming among paraprofessionals and related service providers.
• Monitor fidelity of instructional implementation and ensure consistency among all classroom staff.
• Lead daily classroom team communication regarding instructional priorities, student needs, behavioral supports, medical considerations, and scheduling.
• Manage classroom resources, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and instructional materials.
• Create systems that ensure accurate collection of student performance data and documentation.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Coordinate classroom preparation for absences caused by IEP meetings, multidisciplinary staffing meetings, family conferences, and compliance activities.
• Continuous evaluation of classroom effectiveness and implementing improvements that enhance student outcomes.

Assessment & Documentation

• Evaluate student progress toward IEP goals.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret educational data to guide instructional planning.
• Participate in reevaluation planning and eligibility discussions.
• Develop and maintain accurate, timely, and compliant educational records.
• Prepare IEP goals, present levels of performance, progress reports, and instructional documentation.
• Complete required reports within established timelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student records in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (when applicable), IDEA, and Illinois School Student Records Act requirements.
• Use student outcome data to guide instructional programming and classroom decision making.

Classroom Leadership and Staff Development

• Manage and evaluate the effectiveness of Paraprofessional staff assigned to the classroom.
• Provide ongoing coaching, modeling, feedback, and professional support to Paraprofessionals within classroom team.
• Clearly communicate instructional expectations and student-specific interventions.
• Delegate responsibilities based upon student needs and staff strengths.
• Monitor implementation of behavior intervention plans, communication systems, health protocols, and instructional accommodations.
• Support paraprofessional professional growth through modeling evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Collaborate with administration regarding staff performance, professional development needs, and classroom supports.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure services are integrated throughout the school day.
• Support implementation of school-wide initiatives, quality improvement efforts, and organizational goals.
• Model professionalism, flexibility, innovation, and solution-focused leadership.

 Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution with a major in Special Education or a related field
• IL Professional Educator License 
• Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS-1) endorsement 
• 2-3 years Teaching experience in Special Education settings
• Experience teaching within a therapeutic day setting is preferred
• Strong understanding of IDEA, Illinois special education regulations, and IEP development.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to inclusive, student-centered, and family-centered educational practices.

Employee Benefits

• 1 hour vacation time per 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year
• 1 hour sick time per 35 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• The Chicago Lighthouse Children's Development Center is a year-round therapeutic day school where team members receive paid respite throughout the year, including one week in the fall, spring, summer, and August before the new school year, plus a two-week winter respite.

Additional Benefits

• Ability to determine hours worked during the Summer Quarter/ESY
• Paid regular salary throughout the entirety of the Summer Quarter/ESY 
• Paid at the hourly rate for all hours worked during Summer Quarter/ESY, in addition to receiving regular salary

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws.  The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities.  All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.