Special Education Teacher

Overview

Position Type: Student Support Services/ Special Education Teacher

Date Posted: 1/5/2026

Location: Wingate Elementary

Reports To: Building Principal and Executive Director of Student Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Days: 182

Salary: Determined by graduate degrees/hours and level of experience. Salary Schedule Step 1 Salary Range: $46,280 - $54,211 (Bachelors - Specialist Degree/Doctorate).

NOTE: District 19 recognises all years of certified full-time service when placing teachers on the salary schedule. Board paid TRS. Benefits Package Available.

JOB SUMMARY

Maximise the learning experience of students in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification/License: Illinois Professional Educator License with Learning Behavioral Specialist endorsement.
• Education: Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignments.
• Experience: Successful prior special education teaching experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engages every student every day in quality learning opportunities.
• Creates meaningful learning experiences to address knowledge and skills within the curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Collaborates with general education staff for communicating accommodations and needed services.
• Provides instruction to students, empowering them to meet their individual academic and career goals.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, modifying instructional methods to fit individual student’s needs.
• Conducts assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximise learning.
• Participates in conferences concerning the needs of students.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEPs and behaviour management plans.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organises and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids, and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to student learning.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school’s standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behaviour needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom and throughout the building.
• Collaborates with other professional staff members, especially within grade or subject level, maintaining a positive working relationship and, when assigned, delivering and supporting co-teaching instruction within the classroom.
• Encourages students to become responsible, contributing members of the community promoting the ideals of democracy.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of instructional principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximising the educational experience of students.
• Knowledge of theories, techniques and planning for speech development and therapy.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organise and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires a reasonable duration of sitting, walking, and standing. The job is performed under a generally hazard-free environment.