Function / Position Summary

The Promoting Readiness, Empowerment and Purpose (PREP) special education teacher provides instruction and support for students on the autism spectrum and other students with similar needs in a self-contained setting with students who can access general education, grade level curriculum. The teacher delivers standards-based instruction, builds student independence, embeds communication skills, social skills and executive functioning supports through a structured, predictable classroom that strengthens academic engagement, social confidence and self-advocacy. The PREP teacher monitors progress, implements evidence-based practices, maintains compliance with IEP requirements, and partners with families to support student success in both general education and self-contained settings.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver instruction aligned to the general education core curriculum and grade level standards, adjusting instruction to meet a range of learning, communication and executive functioning needs.
• Develop, coordinate and implement evidence-based practices, individualized academic, behavioral, communication systems and social programming in alignment with each student's IEP, including progress monitoring and documentation.
• Create a predictable, supportive classroom environment that promotes engagement, safety, communication and independence for all students.
• Use data to guide instruction, adjust supports and communicate progress to students, families and staff.
• Collaborate regularly with related service providers, general education teachers, school administrators and other team members to ensure coordinated support and alignment of services.
• Serve as the case manager for your students, complete all IEP paperwork in accordance with district, state and federal requirements.
• Participate in IEP meetings, service team meetings and other required staffings,
• Provide guidance to paraeducators, ensuring consistent implementation of instructional plans, behavior supports, social development and communication systems throughout the school day.
• Implement positive behavior supports using approaches aligned to PREP expectations, including safe and proactive strategies for responding to student behavior, with an emphasis on supporting self-regulation and independence.
• Integrate strategies that strengthen social communication and peer interaction within both general education and self-contained environments.
• Support students across settings, which may include community-based instruction, specials, transitions and other school activities as determined by student needs.
• Communicate with families regularly to support understanding of student progress, instructional approaches, behavior supports and other student needs.
• Maintain accurate records and meet all timelines for documentation, assessments, progress reporting and compliance requirements.
• Participate in school improvement efforts and professional collaboration activities, including building level and district level committees when appropriate.
• Develop meaningful transition plans and summary of performance for students 14 years or older (Middle School and High School only).
• Be willing to complete and maintain certification in CPI and Ukeru to support safe, proactive approaches to behavior support.
• Attend up to two professional development days held during the summer as scheduled by the district.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Illinois Professional Educator License with LBS1 Endorsement required
• Bilingual- Spanish/English (written/verbal) preferred

Experience / Knowledge

• Knowledge in positive behavior strategies
• Knowledge is data collection
• Ability to be flexible and work collaboratively in a team environment
• Knowledge in general education curriculum or content specific areas preferred
• Previous experience in a self-contained setting preferred

Physical Demands

• Lifting may be required as needed
• Assisting with toileting needs may be required as needed
• Ability to perform CPI approved restraint once trained

Terms of Employment

• This is a 9-month position.
• Salary and benefits are established by the Board of Education.
• The starting salary for this role is $60,689.

Nature Ridge Elementary School is a regular public school. It is one of 55 schools in School District U-46. Nature Ridge Elementary School has an enrollment of 373 students in grades KN-06. Enrollment has increased +1% to +5% over the last year.

School District U-46 is a regular school district located in Kane County with 56 schools, 2,256 teachers and 34,722 students. Total Revenue is $782,564,000 and is trending up. School District U-46 spends $18,537 per student per year on instruction.