Special Education Teacher

Job Category: Education
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: USA

Company Overview

Ombudsman Educational Services specializes in alternative education programs designed for students facing challenges that hinder their success in traditional school settings.

Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of referring districts, fostering a welcoming and encouraging academic environment where students can focus on building a brighter future—without judgment of their past.

Since 1975, we have helped over 250,000 students unlock their potential, guiding them toward academic success and the opportunities that come with earning a high school diploma! 🎓

As a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, we are committed to transforming children’s lives by empowering them to create successful, independent futures.

📋 Why Join Our Team?

🔖 Professional Growth: We provide extensive professional development opportunities, equipping you with the tools and resources to excel in your role and advance your career.

🔖 Supportive Work Environment: Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of what we do, fostering a positive and encouraging workplace.

🔖 Empowerment & Creativity: Enjoy the autonomy to lead your classroom, design lesson plans, and introduce innovative teaching methods that engage and inspire students.

🔖 Small Class Sizes: Work with fewer students, allowing for personalized instruction and stronger connections.

🔖 Work-Life Balance: Unlike many institutions, we do not require supervision of after-school activities, and you’ll have time during the day to review assignments—keeping your evenings free for personal time.

🔖 Career Advancement: We offer a clear path for professional growth, providing opportunities to learn, develop, and progress in your career.

Responsibilities

  • Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for students, parents, staff, and administrators.

  • Create a structured, respectful, and inclusive classroom culture that promotes social development and group responsibility, reinforcing positive behaviors in alignment with the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program.

  • Implement school-wide and classroom PBIS initiatives, including reinforcement systems, behavioral expectations, consequence guidelines, and level system programs, while maintaining accurate data collection and record-keeping.

  • Maintain student records, track progress, and prepare required reports in accordance with laws, district policies, and administrative guidelines. If applicable, develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior plans, and functional behavior analyses as per contract requirements.

  • Deliver direct instruction in subject areas as needed, collaborating with colleagues to co-teach or implement specialized curriculum for students with IEPs.

  • Adapt curriculum and provide differentiated instruction to meet students’ diverse learning needs, incorporating educational software and intervention strategies.

  • Serve as a case manager for special education students, updating IEPs and monitoring goal progression as required by the district.

  • Develop lesson plans and instructional materials tailored to students’ individual learning needs.

  • Report incidents such as fights, suspected child abuse, or substance abuse to ensure student safety, maintain a positive learning environment, and comply with state and federal regulations.

  • Assist the Site Director in maintaining a clean, organized, and well-equipped learning environment that promotes a professional and engaging atmosphere.

  • Stay informed about research-based teaching practices, educational advancements, and professional development opportunities.

  • Actively seek and respond to constructive feedback to improve teaching effectiveness.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or a closely related field.

  • Must meet all state teaching license and/or certification requirements.

  • Currently licensed or in the process of obtaining a special education credential.

  • Currently licensed or in the process of obtaining an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).

  • Experience in curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and classroom teaching.

  • Background in alternative education for at-risk students and working with diverse learning needs.

  • Expertise in supporting students with severe learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and challenging behaviors.

  • Experience with IEP development and implementation.

  • Strong ability to motivate students and guide them toward achievable goals and future success.

  • Adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to embrace new initiatives and changing priorities.

  • Excellent communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  • Proficiency in instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and basic office equipment.


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