Special Education Teacher

Starting Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 /year based on experience

Environment: Alternative Education Program, Elementary School

, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Special Education Teacher to join our award-winning Alternative Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you're passionate about empowering students with diverse learning needs, thrive in a collaborative and dynamic educational environment, and bring creativity, patience, a solution-focused mindset, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to student growth — We Should Talk!

As a Special Education Teacher , you will lead the instructional process for Elementary School students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), designing dynamic and personalized learning experiences within the learning center and/or classroom. Your role includes delivering targeted instruction, utilizing innovative curriculum resources, integrating educational software, and creating comprehensive lesson plans and schedules tailored to the diverse physical, emotional, and educational needs of each student, in alignment with state and school standards.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Creating an inclusive, collaborative environment that actively involves students, parents, colleagues, and administrators in the educational process.
• Establishing a classroom climate built on mutual respect, fairness, and clear expectations, emphasizing social development, personal accountability, and positive group interactions by modeling Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Implementing and consistently reinforcing school-wide and classroom-specific PBIS strategies, behavior expectations, reward systems, and appropriate consequences.
• Tracking and documenting student progress, maintaining accurate student files, and generating comprehensive reports detailing student achievements and activities.
• Delivering differentiated and targeted instruction individually or collaboratively in a co-teaching environment to effectively meet IEP-specified educational goals.
• Adapting and modifying curricular content and instructional approaches to accommodate the diverse learning styles and capabilities of students, providing guidance to instructional staff on differentiation methods.
• Utilizing varied and engaging instructional methods, resources, and educational software to effectively respond to and support diverse student needs and interests.
• Managing student caseload responsibilities, including developing, updating, and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), goals, and interventions.
• Preparing detailed daily lesson plans and organizing instructional materials that align with curriculum standards and individual student objectives.
• Maintaining an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment, managing supplies, furniture, and resources effectively according to established procedures.
• Staying informed on current research-based instructional practices, trends, and developments in special education and subject-specific areas to continually enhance teaching effectiveness.
• Responding openly and constructively to feedback from formal evaluations and informal observations, actively pursuing ongoing professional growth.
• Supporting the school community by performing additional duties as assigned, contributing positively to the overall success of the educational program.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education, special education or a closely related field of study.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL professional educator (PEL) credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state special education (SSE) or learning behavior specialist (LBS1) credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience working with curriculum development, differentiation and instruction; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or challenging behaviors.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
• Proven success in developing and implementing effective education plans for at-risk students with diverse needs.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

As a vital part of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education , a nationally recognized leader in alternative and special education programs for children and young adults, we are committed to changing the lives of children by providing them with the opportunity to create successful, independent futures. Operating a variety of specialized program centers, we partner with more than 235 school districts nationwide to provide instructional and behavioral services in a safe, trusting environment where students can achieve their full potential.

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a  Chance to transform lives through education! 

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:  

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance 
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off 
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your   Chance ! 

Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status

Education

• Bachelors or better in Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• Crisis Prevention Inst
• IL - Profl Educator - PEL
• Ed - Elementary
• Any of the following:
• IL - Special Edu. - SEE
• IL - Behavior Spec - LBS1

Skills

• Special Education
• Behavioral Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Crisis Intervention
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Classroom Instruction
• Classroom Management
• Alternative Education
• Working With At-Risk Students
• Performance Motivation
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
• Emotional Disturbance
• Student Development
• Student Engagement
• Lesson Planning
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• Elementary Education
• Effective Teaching Strategies
• Differentiated Instruction

Behaviors

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.