Special Education Teacher

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in a mission-driven school setting?  Helping Hand is looking for a passionate Special Education Teacher to join our award-winning Therapeutic Day School.  You'll lead instruction, develop IEPs, mentor support staff, and create a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for students ages 3-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE:  The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to the students of Helping Hand School,  helping them to overcome learning barriers and achieve academic, social, and emotional success.  

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, weekdays, 40 hours per week
• Salary range $68,000-$75,000/year (Salary/Exempt). 
• Salary based on skills and experience.
• Up to 8% annual bonus potential
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose-driven work that changes lives.
• Tuition reimbursement and clear career growth opportunities.
• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability.
• Team member appreciation events and year-round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• Generous PTO including paid holidays, personal time, paid school breaks, and accrued sick time.
• PSLF-qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Create and deliver differentiated instruction based on IEPs.
• Monitor student progress and adjust goals as needed.
• Collaborate with therapists, paraprofessionals, and families.
• Lead and support classroom Instructional Teaching Assistants/paraprofessionals.
• Foster communication, behavior, and academic growth.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in special education or a related field required.
• LBS1 K-12 endorsement through ISBE.
• Must have EC endorsement if Early Childhood teacher.  Will consider if in the process of obtaining.

Experience:

• 2 years of experience working with children 3 - 21 years old with developmental or intellectual disabilities (preferred).
• Experience with autism spectrum disorders (preferred).
• Knowledge of ISBE regulations around IEPs (preferred).
• Knowledge of learning methods, instructional methods and techniques.

Skill Sets:

• Computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Skilled in classroom leadership, team collaboration, and crisis management.
• The ability to fulfill all necessary training requirements, including but not limited to crisis management.
• The ability to stay current and have a strong understanding of special education laws and regulations.
• The ability to stay current with best practices and new developments in special education.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about to assist students, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. 
• The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer). 
• Consistently position self to maintain files in file cabinets or assist students. 
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in all situations. 
• Occasional movement of students by wheelchair or other mechanical devices.
• The person in this position may encounter students exhibiting physical aggression; must be comfortable working in periods of crisis and feel comfortable de-escalating individually or as a team.

Helping Hand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that embracing our differences strengthens our community and enhances the quality of care we provide.