Special Education Teacher

Turning Pointe Autism Foundation creates opportunities and programs to educate individuals with autism through proven interventions to increase independence, encourage meaningful lifelong pursuits, and enrich the community at large.

Turning Pointe Autism Foundation has the CN Therapeutic Day School created to meet the specific and unique needs of students learning with autism, and Foglia Family Adult Services, which is comprised of the Compass Class Pilot Program and Employment Training Program. These services are designed for adult students to assist with communication, socially appropriate behaviors, functional living, and employment skills.

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

Reports to: Instructional Coach

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Type: Full-Time

TPAF Calendar: Academic

Qualifications: Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) endorsement or approval encompassing the grade levels and age ranges of the students served.

Position Summary: 

A Turning Pointe Special Education Teacher is expected to develop and implement programs for a classroom that address and meet the needs and IEP goals of all students. The teacher needs excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to work as a collaborative member of a team.

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepare, adapt and deliver instructional material
• Develop suitable curricular and utilize effective teaching methods based on assessment of students’ needs
• Evaluate student’s academic and behavioral progress
• Supervise students in classrooms, school buildings and social-curricular activities
• Develop educational plans for the individual student
• Teach desirable study, work and recreational habits by providing students with opportunities for which they are best suited
• Develop IEP’s that reflect student needs, define measurable benchmarks for goals and use data to measure goal progress
• Collaborate with the Related Service Team to ensure generalization of skills and consistent programming
• Meet regularly with Turning Pointe administration and Lead Teacher to develop TPAF Curriculum and ensure fluid and consistent programming
• Create and maintain student records and prepare reports relative to the work.  Select appropriate tests, learning aids, materials and supplies
• Participate in teacher trainings as required
• Help plan and participate in extracurricular student and staff activities
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work
• Collaborate and support the family home teams by meeting with parents, communicating life and behavior skills programs and supporting generalization of skills to home and community environments
• Work well with the TPAF team in a collaborative manner
• Share ideas and implement TPAF school program objectives
• Supervise and support student support staff and help organize schedules and oversee integrity of behavior support plans
• Provide overall support and commit to reducing maladaptive behaviors and addressing student’s specific needs
• Support the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation fundraising objectives providing information, collaborating on fundraising activities and reflecting the goals and objectives of the organization
• Perform other work and responsibilities as assigned

Compensation: $50,000-$70,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short-Term Disability
• Simple IRA with employer match
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Referral Program
• Longevity Bonuses

Turning Pointe is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you require additional support or assistance, please contact sodoherty@turningpointeaf.org. 

*The salary range listed for this position is a guideline and may vary. The salary is based on the role's requirements, the candidate's experience, and other relevant factors. The final compensation offer may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and geographic location. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.

 Experience & Skills:

• Experience working with middle/high school students impacted by autism or other developmentally disabling disorders preferred
• Experience implementing behavior support plans
• Knowledge of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
• A proven track record working as a team member in a therapeutic and/or educational environment
• Patient with a calm and organized approach

Physical Demands:

• May include lifting and supporting up to 50 pounds
• May be required to bend, stoop, and kneel
• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
• Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time
• Moderate to high stress levels
• Daily contact with students, teachers, and school staff
• Regular contact with parents, community members and outside agency personnel
• May be exposed to contact with individuals displaying physically aggressive, self-abusive, or socially undesirable behavior