Special Education Teacher

Who we are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency providing therapeutic, wellness, and skill-building programs to youth, families, and neighborhoods affected by trauma.

Our Therapeutic Day School serves CPS-referred youth ages 5-22 with emotional, intellectual, or learning challenges. We provide personalized, IEP-driven instruction paired with therapeutic arts to promote skill mastery and engagement. With a 90%+ graduation rate and multiple awards, we prepare students for academic and career success.

About the Role

Be the steady presence a student needs. As a Special Education Teacher, you will create a supportive, trauma-informed classroom where youth can grow academically and socially. You'll develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs), monitor student progress, and provide guidance that promotes healing and resilience. 

This role is perfect for you if you're looking for:

• Strong support from experienced educators, clinicians, and leadership
• Small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios
• Opportunity to build skills in behavior intervention and trauma-informed teaching
• Collaborative, team-based environment (you are not doing this alone)
• Hands-on experience with IEP development, implementation, and progress monitoring
• Meaningful work with students who benefit deeply from consistency and care

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and update IEPs for assigned students.
• Deliver evidence-based academic and social-emotional instruction.
• Monitor and assess student progress using formative and summative evaluations.
• Maintain a therapeutic classroom environment that promotes healing and resists re-traumatization.
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams to support student growth.
• Document student progress, maintain accurate records, and participate in staff meetings and professional development.

Who we ' re looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education
• Current LBS1 teaching certificate (Illinois) or eligibility to obtain licensure in Illinois
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• No history of child abuse or neglect; ability to pass required background and drug screenings

Additional Information

• This full-time, on-site position is located at our Therapeutic Day School at 4833 N Francisco Ave, Monday to Friday, typical school hours with flexibility for meetings and professional development. Occasional local travel may be required for educational or professional purposes.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

• We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:
• Salary: Starting at $55,000/year, based on experience.
• 7+weeks vacation + 9 holidays
• Small pupil/teacher ratio
• Creative curriculum
• Medical insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Dental insurance - HMO and PPO options
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Medical and Dependent Care
• Pre-tax Commuter benefits - Parking and Transit
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Children
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 100% employer- paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and life resources
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

How to Apply

• Submit your application here. We look forward to learning more about you!
• Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.
• This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt
• Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.