Cunningham Children's Home·Urbana, Illinois
The Special Education Teacher will design and deliver individualized academic instruction while integrating Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies. They will collaborate with support staff and families to monitor student progress and implement effective Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
$7,500 Sign-On Bonus for Licensed Special Education Teachers!
Circle Academy Urbana is a therapeutic special education school serving students in grades K-12. Our private school is committed to preparing and empowering students for success in school, at home, and in the community. We provide a structured, nurturing, and therapeutic learning environment that supports each student's academic and emotional growth.
We are currently seeking a qualified Special Education Teacher to join our Circle Academy Urbana team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating a supportive, engaging classroom environment that promotes academic excellence and incorporates Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) alongside mental health stability. The Special Education Teacher works with small class sizes and classroom support staff in a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.
As a Special Education Teacher at Circle Academy Urbana, you will play an essential role in helping students overcome barriers to learning and providing them with the tools to succeed in both their academic and personal lives. Our Special Education Teacher will collaborate closely with families, support staff, and school leadership to ensure each student receives individualized instruction and support.
Competitive salary based on education and experience.
Small class sizes: 10 or fewer students per class.
Additional support staff: Two additional support staff (Paraeducator and Teaching Assistant) in every classroom.
Tuition Assistance: Support for obtaining LBS1 Certification or Special Education Teacher Certification.
Relocation Assistance: Available up to $2,500.
Summer Income: Opportunity to earn additional income over the summer (31 days at $35/hour).
State-of-the-art facilities: Newly constructed, 51,000-square-foot school building.
Additionally, Cunningham Children's Home is a qualified employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Urbana is part of the twin cities of Champaign–Urbana in east-central Illinois, about 140 miles south of Chicago, 125 miles west of Indianapolis, and 170 miles northeast of St. Louis. Home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the area combines the energy of a college town with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy diverse dining, parks, festivals, and a rich cultural scene—making it an ideal place to live, work, and grow.
Founded in 1895, Cunningham Children’s Home is a leading child welfare and educational services agency, supporting more than 977 youth and families each year through residential treatment, special education, and community-based programs.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field and possess a valid Illinois LBS1 certification. Previous experience working with children in a therapeutic or special education setting is preferred.
Market context
In Illinois, teaching assistant roles are commonly driven by school staffing needs in special education and general classroom support, especially where paraprofessional licensing is required. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for a valid TASN paraprofessional license, at least 60 semester hours or a paraprofessional exam, plus strong communication and knowledge of disabilities. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits from the original posting to save research time, then confirm your license status and readiness to follow classroom directions before applying.