Special Education Teacher

ABOUT THE ROLE: The Special Education Teacher is responsible for maintaining genuine leadership and academic excellence of the school by monitoring and supporting assigned team members through supervision, evaluation, and discipline.  Under the direction of an Associate Director of Helping Hand School, 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.  This role involves developing IEPs, delivering differentiated instruction, and collaborating with other educators, parents, and specialists to ensure that each student's unique needs are met.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

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

ABOUT US:  Helping Hand's mission is to transform the lives of all connected to Helping Hand through genuine care and education.  So that, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are equally valued in all communities!  Established in 1955, Helping Hand is proud to serve over 70 surrounding communities by providing accredited and licensed Adult Programs as well as an ISBE-approved non-public Therapeutic Day School. 

Helping Hand has been awarded "Best and Brightest Places to Work" for both Chicago and the Nation for 6 years in a row!  This award is a reflection of the incredible talent and commitment shown by our HH team members every day.

If you're ready to join our incredible team, apply today!

HELPING HAND PERKS: 

• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Supplemental and voluntary benefit options available with employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, STD, and LTD.
• Paid School Break days
• Paid Holidays
• Paid personal days
• Accrued paid sick time
• Team member appreciation events and recognition throughout the year
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Programs

A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU AT HH: 

• Develop, implement, and review IEP's for students within the Helping Hand School.
• Assess student's skills to determine their needs and develop appropriate learning goals.
• Regularly evaluate and update IEP's based on student's progress and needs.  Conduct formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of student performance, attendance, and other required documentation.
• Prepare progress reports and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
• Attend all agency, team and IEP meetings.  Complete all reports, IEPs, and documentation on time and in a professional manner.
• Design and tailor instruction and activities that provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement.
• Modify content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of the students.
• Provide clear and direct teaching of academic concepts.
• Use a variety of assessments to evaluate the students needs and strengths and provide ongoing monitoring to adjust instruction as needed.
• Create a positive, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Participate, facilitate, and document multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss and address student needs.  Implement behavioral management plans and strategies as needed.
• Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity within the classroom.
• Provide supervision, leadership, and training to all Instruction Teaching Assistants.
• Work closely with other special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school staff to support the needs of students.
• Communicate effectively and regularly to establish a positive rapport with students, families, and HH agency team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

LAND THIS OPPORTUNITY BY HAVING:

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:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and flexibility to adapt to changes throughout the work day.
• Flexibility to work in any classroom or area assigned to by supervisors.
• Computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Self-motivator and takes initiative.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with the entire team to ensure safe and efficient delivery of services while utilizing strong conflict management and team building skills.
• 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.
• The ability to engage in ongoing learning and the ability to apply new strategies and techniques to improve student outcomes.
• The ability to maintain student confidentiality at all times.
• 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 welcomes diversity and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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.