Bellwood School District 88

Equal Opportunity Employer

Notice of Vacancy

Special Education Teacher 

Grant Elementary

2026-2027

Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Reports To: Building Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $47,000- $61,750

Purpose Statement

The Special Education Teacher for the purpose of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for developing special education students' success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group an individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines: collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress. 

This Position reports to the Principal. 

Essential Functions 

*     Adapts classroom work, after collaborating with other teachers in full inclusion classrooms, for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans. 

*     Administers developmental testing programs, subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans. 

*     Administers, if a nurse is not available, first aid and assistance to medically fragile children for the purpose of providing appropriate care for children as assigned. 

*     Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations, student's achievements, and developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment. 

* Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals (e.g. behavioral, motor development and communication skills, academic needs, vocational abilities, etc.) for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents, and administration. 

*    Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes and achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan. 

*     Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques, and a variety of personal issues. 

* Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and/or subject specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements. 

*     Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study. 

* Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.    

* Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment. 

* Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction. 

* Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans. 

* Participates in a variety of meetings, including lEPs, and 504 meetings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions. 

* Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. adaptive materials, grades, attendance, anecdotal records, IEPS, behavior logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements. 

* Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to state and federal laws and school board policies.

Other Functions 

* Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution. 

* Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs) for Position Qualification

KNOWLEDGE is required of the material for which the position is responsible.  Incumbent must also have content knowledge in basic numeracy, literacy, social studies, and science. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the specialty area, and a variety of teaching strategies and disciplinary techniques are required.  Specific knowledge based competencies are required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position such as: knowledge of appropriate codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.  Knowledge is required to read technical information, compose a variety of documents, facilitate group discussions, and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. 

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the function of the position include: communication skills to explain curriculum material in a variety of ways; skill in applying assessment instruments and operating standard technology and office equipment (i.e. pertinent software applications); skills in preparing and maintaining accurate records; collaborative skills to work productively with colleagues; and creativity and presentation skills to plan lessons and motivate and hold the attention of students.

ABILITY is required to teach children in a pleasant, creative, and constructive manner.  Must obtain the ability to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events, gather collate, and/or classify data. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances.  Ability is required to analyze data utilizing defined but different processes, and operate equipment using standardized methods.  Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes.  Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.  Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines, and problem solving with equipment is moderate.  Specific ability-based competencies that are required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and the ability to work flexible hours. 

Working Environment 

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands:  some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity.  The position generally requires 15% sitting, 20% walking, and 65% standing.  This position is typically performed in a hazard free, clean, and healthy environment.