Special Education Teacher (LBS1)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Posting: Special Education Teacher

ExcelPrep — Champaign, Illinois

Position Overview

ExcelPrep is seeking a highly qualified, mission-aligned  Special Education Teacher to join our team in  Champaign, Illinois . This is a full-time, on-site opportunity for an educator who is passionate about supporting neurodiverse learners through structured, research-based, and data-driven instruction.

The ideal candidate will bring strong instructional expertise, a deep commitment to student growth, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary educational and therapeutic environment.

About ExcelPrep

ExcelPrep is a mission-driven private program serving neurodiverse children through structured, research-based instruction. Our mission is simple:  to prioritize the academic and social success of neurodiverse learners .

We are a professional and agile organization committed to delivering high-quality academic and therapeutic programming that supports meaningful learning outcomes. Our goal is to provide a nurturing, academically focused environment where students develop strong academic foundations, cognitive-linguistic skills, and the confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond.

The Bloomington program reflects the same model and standards as ExcelPrep’s Champaign program, with a strong emphasis on instructional excellence, data-based decision making, and integrated academic and therapeutic support.

Our Programs

PreK–8 Academic Program

Our PreK–8 Academic Program is grounded in  Direct Instruction and  Precision Teaching . Instruction focuses on core academic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics, through explicit and systematic teaching methods that emphasize:

• Mastery

• Fluency

• Generalization

This program is designed for students with learning disabilities and neurodiverse profiles who benefit from structured, data-driven instruction.

Clinical ABA Program (Ages 3–13)

Our Clinical ABA Program is cognition-linguistically based and emphasizes cognitive skill development and social behavior learning within a structured instructional environment. The program integrates  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)with teaching strategies that support:

• Language development

• Reasoning

• Executive functioning

• Social competence

Instruction is individualized, data-driven, and focused on building foundational skills that support learning, communication, and independence.

Instructional and Therapeutic Framework

Across ExcelPrep programs, we center:

• Direct Instruction and instructional design

• Precision Teaching and data-based decision making

• Instruction grounded in behavior science research

• Occupational Therapy as a prioritized therapy alongside ABA in support of sensory-motor development

Position Summary

The Special Education Teacher will play a central role in delivering high-quality instruction and individualized support for neurodiverse learners. This individual will be responsible for planning and implementing structured academic programming, monitoring student progress, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining a classroom environment that supports strong academic, behavioral, and social outcomes.

This role is well suited for an educator who values professionalism, precision, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction and Student Programming

• Provide individualized and small-group instruction to students with diverse academic, behavioral, and developmental needs

• Design and implement instructional programming aligned with student profiles, goals, and learning needs

• Deliver explicit, systematic instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and related academic readiness skills

• Apply research-based methodologies, including Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching, to support student mastery, fluency, and generalization

• Differentiate instruction within a structured educational setting to meet a range of learner needs

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring

• Collect, analyze, and interpret student performance data to inform instructional planning

• Monitor progress toward individualized academic, behavioral, and developmental goals

• Make timely instructional adjustments based on objective student data

• Maintain accurate, organized, and compliant student records, reports, and documentation

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, ABA staff, Occupational Therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members

• Communicate professionally and effectively with families regarding student progress, goals, and instructional strategies

• Participate actively in team meetings, case discussions, planning sessions, and school-wide initiatives

Classroom and Program Support

• Foster a structured, supportive, and academically focused classroom environment

• Support implementation fidelity of instructional and behavior support systems

• Participate in training, coaching, and ongoing professional development

• Contribute to program refinement and continuous improvement efforts

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in  Special Education , Education, or a closely related field

• Valid  Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)with  LBS1 endorsement , or eligibility to obtain appropriate Illinois credentials

• Experience working with students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodiverse learning profiles

• Strong knowledge of individualized instruction, structured teaching practices, and progress monitoring

• Demonstrated ability to use student data to guide instructional decision-making

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and evidence-based educational practice

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Education, Psychology, or a related field

• Experience with  Direct Instruction and/or  Precision Teaching

• Familiarity with ABA principles and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Experience in a private school, specialized educational setting, clinical setting, or therapeutic learning environment

• Knowledge of cognitive-linguistic, behavioral, and sensory-motor learning needs

• Bilingual or multilingual abilities

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be:

• Deeply aligned with ExcelPrep’s mission

• Skilled in supporting neurodiverse learners through structured instruction

• Organized, reflective, and data-driven

• Comfortable in a high-accountability, collaborative environment

• Committed to continuous improvement and high professional standards

• Focused on achieving meaningful academic and social outcomes for students

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site position in  Champaign, Illinois

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary workplace

• Professional and agile organizational culture

• Strong emphasis on student outcomes, instructional quality, and research-based practice

Compensation and Benefits

ExcelPrep offers a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications, which may include:

• Competitive salary

• Health, dental, and vision benefits

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development and training

• Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Copy of Illinois teaching license or documentation of licensure eligibility

• Professional references

Application Email:   View email address on ziprecruiter.com
Subject Line: Special Education Teacher – Champaign

Equal Opportunity Statement

ExcelPrep is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome candidates who are passionate about advancing meaningful outcomes for neurodiverse learners and contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven educational environment.