Special Education Teacher - Chicago

Merlin Day Academy·Chicago, Illinois

$65,000 - $70,000/yrFull Time On Site 2-5 yrsPosted 2 days ago

Practice for this role

Special Education Teacher - Chicago · $65,000 - $70,000/yr

How this role compares

Computed from live listings

+49% vs. median posted salary for classroom teacher roles in Chicago, Illinois ($43,623, n=132)

180 similar openings in the Chicago area · median $43,485

$20,800 · p10p90 · $100,000

this role: $65,000median $43,623

Shaded band: the middle 50% of 132 posted classroom teacher roles in Chicago, Illinois salarys. This role sits in the 76th percentile.

About the role

Pay for this role is about 49% above the Chicago, Illinois median for classroom teacher roles.

The Special Education Teacher will design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of neurodiverse students. They will also 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.

About the Role

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-$70,000 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/

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master's Degree, a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsement, and an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). Experience working with neurodiverse students and the physical ability to lift 35lbs are also required.

postgraduate degree
Collaboration
Classroom Management
Therapeutic Intervention
Autism Support
Special Education
Instructional Coaching
Individualized Education Plans
Sensory Processing Disorder Support
Illinois State Learning Standards
Neurodiversity Advocacy

Benefits

Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
401k Retirement Plan
Holiday allowances

Posting details

Employment type: Full Time
Work arrangement: On Site
Experience: 2-5 yrs
Salary: $65,000 - $70,000/yr
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posted: Aug 28, 2026
Application: Employer website

Chicago special education hiring remains steady

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.