Special Education Teacher (Middle School)

Job Description

Title: Special Education Teacher (Middle School )                                  Location: District Wide

Employment Type: Full-Time                                                                 Work Days: 10-month position

FLSA: Exempt                                                                                         Reports to: Building Principal

Salary/Benefits:

$50,727 - $64,233 (Salary based on CBA negotiated terms with 10-year credit cap)

Job Summary:

The Special Education Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to middle school students (grades 6-8) with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The teacher creates a structured, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment designed to promote each student's academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional growth.

This position requires collaboration with families, general education staff, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to ensure all students receive a high-quality educational experience aligned with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Education, Certification, and Licensure:

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Valid LBS I Endorsement (Learning Behavior Specialist I)
• Appropriate middle school endorsement (Type 03/04 or equivalent)
• Demonstrated knowledge of adolescent development and instructional practices for students with disabilities
• Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with IDEA and ISBE regulations
• Ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and families
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills

Experience:

• Prior experience teaching students with disabilities in middle school settings preferred
• Experience working with diverse populations and implementing inclusive classroom models
• Familiarity with behavior intervention strategies, PBIS, and restorative practices
• Experience collaborating with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP, Social Worker)
• Experience using assistive technology and academic intervention strategies a plus

Essential Duties and Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized and small group instruction to students with identified special needs in inclusive and/or self-contained settings
• Design and implement standards-based, evidence-based instructional activities aligned with Illinois Learning Standards
• Conduct ongoing data collection and progress monitoring to inform instruction and report student growth
• Develop, implement, and review IEPs in collaboration with multidisciplinary team members and families
• Differentiate instruction to support diverse learning styles and abilities, including students with learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral needs, and other exceptionalities
• Collaborate with general education staff to promote inclusion and support Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) practices
• Use data to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly
• Administer and interpret formal and informal assessments
• Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion and co-teaching models
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation for IEPs, progress monitoring, and service logs
• Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings, including annual reviews and re-evaluations
• Participate in problem-solving teams, eligibility meetings, and IEP conferences
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and district special education procedures and timelines
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and classroom activities
• Support students in developing academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional skills necessary for success and transition readiness
• Utilize positive behavior supports (PBIS) and proactive strategies to promote engagement and independence
• Attend staff meetings, professional development, and school events as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of adolescent development and learning needs
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet a variety of learning styles and ability levels
• Proficiency in data-driven instruction and progress monitoring tools
• Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive supports
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors using positive and proactive strategies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive classroom practices
• Capacity to maintain accurate and timely records, reports, and documentation
• Strong understanding of special education laws and procedures (IDEA, IEP development)
• Knowledge of middle school curriculum and adolescent development

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Patience, empathy, and flexibility in working with students and families
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly
• Organizational skills for managing documentation, schedules, and compliance timelines
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment
• Willingness to learn and apply new instructional strategies and technologies