Special Education High School Teacher

North Cook Intermediate Service Center operates an alternative school, North Cook Young Adult Academy (NCYAA) . NCYAA is a Regional Safe School Program (RSSP) that embraces second chances through alternative educational opportunities for students in grades 6-12. Dedicated to providing a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all learners, NCYAA promotes Social-emotional growth through a focus on the five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills. Academics are centered around students’ individual differences, strengths, and challenges. North Cook Young Adult Academy empowers students to develop respect and responsibility for themselves and their communities. The focus of our program is for students to become lifelong learners and positive contributors to the community. 

Description: The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students with identified disabilities in grades 6 through 12 within an alternative education setting. The SPED Teacher designs and implements individualized educational programs (IEPs), creates a positive and inclusive learning environment, and supports students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth. The teacher collaborates closely with general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families to ensure student success and compliance with state and federal special education requirements.

Supervisor: Principal - NYCAA

Work Schedule: 185 days

FLSA status: Exempt

Retirement : TRS

Essential Duties:

Instruction:

• Teach assigned subjects to middle and high school students with disabilities in an alternative education environment.
• Implements the individualized education program (IEP) established for each student in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Provides specially designed instruction using an approved curriculum to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals and objectives.
• Provide accommodations and modifications to support access to the general curriculum.
• Utilize research-based instructional strategies and interventions to support academic and behavioral growth.
• Prepares appropriate supplemental instructional materials and experiences to enhance learning opportunities.
• Develop and modify lesson plans aligned with student IEP goals and individual learning needs.
• Assess and monitor student progress using formal and informal assessment tools.
• Utilize differentiated instructional strategies to engage students and promote skill development.
• Actively engages students in the learning process.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Holds students accountable for academic performance in alignment with IEP goals.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation including IEPs, progress monitoring data, grade books, contact logs, progress reports, and report cards.
• Prepares for and participates in IEP meetings, parent/teacher conferences, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Communicates regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and needs.
• Serves as a primary contact for parents of assigned students.
• Collaborates with general education teachers, related service providers, and support staff.
• Attends all staff meetings and required professional development activities.
• Adheres fully and consistently to all policies and procedures outlined in the North Cook Young Adult Academy Policy Manual and the NCISC Policy Manual.
• Fulfills other responsibilities as assigned by supervisory personnel.

Learning Environment:

• Supports fellow staff members.
• Assists students in feeling vested in their own learning processes and fosters a welcoming and supportive classroom environment.
• Holds students accountable for their behavioral performance and Implements behavior management strategies to promote a positive culturally responsive learning experience.
• Assists with behavior management when not teaching classes.
• Implements behavior management plans (BIP).
• Maintains a learning environment (classroom and school).
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 Endorsement required.
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of IEP development, implementation, and compliance with IDEA.
• Strong understanding of differentiated instruction and behavior management strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse student populations, families, and staff.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office for instructional planning, documentation, and communication.

Physical Demands:

In performing the duties of a Teacher - NYCAA the following physical demands are typical:

• Sedentary to Light Physical Activity: The role involves frequent sitting, working at a desk, and using a computer, as well as attending meetings. Standing, walking, and moving around to locations in the school occurs regularly. NOTE: For PE teachers, the role requires the ability to be outside and using and demonstrating use of standard PE equipment such as balls, weights, etc.
• Mobility: Ability to move between classrooms and other areas, attend meetings, including off-site meetings is required. This may include some walking and climbing stairs. PE teachers will have significantly more mobility requirements than classroom teachers.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 10 pounds, such as documents, briefcases, or small equipment. This typically involves light to moderate physical effort. PE teachers must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and must be able to lift and carry standard PE equipment on a daily basis .
• Reaching and Grasping: Regular use of hands and arms to handle documents, operate office equipment, and conduct presentations. PE teachers must be able to demonstrate use of standard PE equipment.
• Visual Acuity: Requires good vision for reviewing reports, analyzing data, and using computer screens.
• Communication: Frequent verbal communication is necessary, including delivering presentations and instruction and interacting with team members and parents. Must also be able to hear and respond to verbal communications in a variety of settings.

Accommodation Statement: North Cook ISC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Director of Human Resources to discuss your needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: NCISC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Full-time (10 month) employees of the North Cook Intermediate Service Center are eligible for the following benefits:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance (PPO, High Deductible, or HMO) at no cost for the covered employee. Dependent coverage is available at a cost share.
• Metlife dental insurance at no cost for the covered employee (dependent coverage is available at a cost share)
• Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension system.
• Life insurance at 1x annual salary + $50,000 AD&D insurance.
• 10 paid sick days per year.
• 2 personal days per year.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403b/457b retirement savings plans available.
• Some positions are eligible for tuition reimbursement.
• TRS enrollment required.