Merlin Day Academy·Chicago, Illinois
Design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of neurodiverse students. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of therapists and caregivers to ensure students meet Illinois State Learning Standards.
Merlin Day Academy is an intensive therapeutic day program providing education and therapeutic intervention in a supportive classroom environment for children ages 6-14 with autism, AHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse needs. Our relationship-based, family-centered approach focuses on helping students build the skills that foster success in their community and beyond.
Merlin Day Academy is seeking a dedicated and collaborative Special Education Teacher to join our multidisciplinary team of top specialists. In this clinic-based role, you will design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) in a classroom setting to support our clients academic, social, and emotional growth. Individualized classroom instruction and instructional coaching. Design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) Support students in meeting Illinois State Learning Standards. Collaborate with therapy team, caregivers and professionals to maximize learning. Special Education Teacher education requirements: Master's Degree required Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement (LBS1) required Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) required Experience working with neurodiverse students Ability to lift 35lbs Compensation & Benefits Competitive Salary: $65,000-$75,000 Comprehensive Health Coverage (Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance) + Life and Disability Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Competitive Paid Time Off and holiday allowances Generous 401k Retirement Plan with employer contributions Schedule & Location Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Location: 3319 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 - (parking available onsite) Why Join Merlin Day Academy? Make an impact in the lives of children and their families by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide innovative, therapeutic interventions in an education setting. This is your chance to work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your skills and dedication are valued. Please see our full Special Education Teacher job description attached to this posting, along with details of our competitive benefits package. Apply today and be part of our mission to empower children with neurodiverse needs to succeed! https://threebirdsonemission.com/careers/
Requires a Master's Degree, a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsement, and an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). Candidates must have experience working with neurodiverse students and the physical ability to lift 35lbs.
Market context
Illinois schools continue to need special education teachers, especially in Chicago where districts often compete for candidates with the right licensure and classroom experience. This role is competitive because it requires a Master’s Degree, an LBS1 endorsement, and an Illinois PEL, plus experience with neurodiverse students and the ability to lift 35 lbs. Review the posted responsibilities closely and confirm your credentials match before applying; the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original description, saving you research time.