The Special Education Teacher will lead instructional processes for students in grades K-5 with IEPs, designing personalized learning experiences and managing classroom behavior. Responsibilities include tracking student progress, collaborating with parents and staff, and implementing PBIS strategies to support student growth.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field and possess or be eligible for Illinois PEL and LBS1 credentials. Prior experience in special education, curriculum development, and working with students with diverse learning needs is required.
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://careers.chancelight.com], a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Special Education Teacher to join our award-winning team for the 2026-2027 School Year and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!
If you're passionate about empowering students with diverse learning needs, thrive in a collaborative and dynamic educational environment, and bring creativity, patience, a solution-focused mindset, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to student growth — We Should Talk! 📲
As a Special Education Teacher, you will lead the instructional process for students in Grades K-5 with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), designing dynamic and personalized learning experiences within the learning center and/or classroom. Your role includes delivering targeted instruction, utilizing innovative curriculum resources, integrating educational software, and creating comprehensive lesson plans and schedules tailored to the diverse physical, emotional, and educational needs of each student, in alignment with state and school standards.
‖ Responsibilities Include
Creating an inclusive, collaborative environment that actively involves students, parents, colleagues, and administrators in the educational process.
Establishing a classroom climate built on mutual respect, fairness, and clear expectations, emphasizing social development, personal accountability, and positive group interactions by modeling Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Implementing and consistently reinforcing school-wide and classroom-specific PBIS strategies, behavior expectations, reward systems, and appropriate consequences.
Benefits
Paid Time Off
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
Paid Holiday Schedule
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Legal Services Insurance
Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
24/7 Nurse Line
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Free Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
Free Health Advocacy Services
Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
Tracking and documenting student progress, maintaining accurate student files, and generating comprehensive reports detailing student achievements and activities.
Delivering differentiated and targeted instruction individually or collaboratively in a co-teaching environment to effectively meet IEP-specified educational goals.
Adapting and modifying curricular content and instructional approaches to accommodate the diverse learning styles and capabilities of students, providing guidance to instructional staff on differentiation methods.
Utilizing varied and engaging instructional methods, resources, and educational software to effectively respond to and support diverse student needs and interests.
Managing student caseload responsibilities, including developing, updating, and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), goals, and interventions.
Preparing detailed daily lesson plans and organizing instructional materials that align with curriculum standards and individual student objectives.
Maintaining an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment, managing supplies, furniture, and resources effectively according to established procedures.
Staying informed on current research-based instructional practices, trends, and developments in special education and subject-specific areas to continually enhance teaching effectiveness.
Responding openly and constructively to feedback from formal evaluations and informal observations, actively pursuing ongoing professional growth.
Supporting the school community by performing additional duties as assigned, contributing positively to the overall success of the educational program.
‖ Qualifications Required
Bachelor's degree or higher in education, special education or a closely related field of study.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator (PEL) credential.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state learning behavior specialist (LBS1) credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience working with curriculum development, differentiation and instruction; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance; particularly for students with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
Proven success in developing and implementing effective education plans for students with diverse needs.
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://chancelight.com] is the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!
> 💻 Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we > provide by visiting the link below: >
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!
‖ Perks and Benefits Include
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Accrual-based Paid Time Off
School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Opportunities for Growth & Development
And So Much More!
If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Illinois special education roles stay in steady demand
Special education teachers in Illinois are typically in steady demand because districts need licensed educators who can support students with diverse learning needs and comply with IDEA, ADA, and state regulations. This role is competitive when candidates already hold an Illinois PEL with an LBS1 endorsement, can document relevant classroom experience, and are prepared to discuss collaboration with families and support teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your license status and highlight any experience with IEPs and behavior supports in your application.
