Special Education Teacher - Supportive Learning Environment (SLE)

Welcome to District 31!

District 31 consists of two schools: Winkelman Elementary School serves preschool through 5th grade students, and Field Middle School serves 6th through 8th grade students. District boundaries include portions of Glenview and Northbrook, as well as some areas of unincorporated Cook County. Both schools have won the coveted Blue Ribbon Award from the United States Department of Education and other honors.

The District houses approximately 905 children who speak over 25 languages and has a talented, diverse staff to support our mission of inclusiveness. Class sizes range between 15 and 22. The school day, schedule, teaching practices, and educational setting at both Winkelman and Field Schools are tailored to best provide a developmentally appropriate yet rigorous learning environment that meets the unique needs of every learner.

Programs are available to provide extra challenge and enrichment as well as additional support. Hands-on learning and stimulating educational experiences provide students with K–2nd opportunities to interact meaningfully with the material. Technology is used as a tool to support instruction and further enhance the learning experience. iPads are provided to every student in grades K – 2nd, and Chromebooks are provided to every student in grades 3rd through 8th. Social and emotional learning is also emphasized. Click here for a District map in PDF format (July 2022).

District Mission: Empowering every student to make a positive impact on tomorrow’s community

Elementary Special Education Supportive Learning Environment Purpose: This role focuses on developing and implementing special education programs designed for students requiring a structured learning environment with an emphasis on functional skills, communication, and individualized learning. Key responsibilities include collaborating with school administration to implement district policies, utilizing research-based instructional strategies, aligning lesson plans with accommodations and standards, and overseeing the IEP process. The position also involves supporting teachers and administrators in delivering special education services, participating in problem-solving teams, crisis intervention, and parent engagement. Additional duties include maintaining records, evaluating student needs, assisting with scheduling and transition planning, ensuring accurate special education data reporting, and continuing professional development. The role requires active participation in district and building-level teams and other assigned responsibilities.

Must have a current PEL license with an LBSI endorsement.  ELL endorsement is encouraged but not required.

Students, parents, and staff work collaboratively to support a learning environment where all feel mutually welcomed, respected, and appreciated.

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Special Education Teacher-Supported Learning
Environment/Instructional
Position
Title:
Special Education Teacher-Supported
Learning Environment/ Instructional
Date
Prepared:
7/14/2025
Primary
Location:
District SLE Position Review/
Revision Date:
7/14/2025
Required Certifications/Licenses: 1. Must have a Bachelor’s Degree. 2. Must have a valid Professional
Educator’s License, Endorsed as an LBS 1 3. Preferred teaching experience of at least 2 years of working
with students who have had intensive academic and/or behavioral needs. 4. Knowledge and experience
working with students with autism, cognitive disabilities, social and emotional disorders, is preferred.
Position Purpose: (1) Develop, plan, and implement special education programs within assigned locations
and programs. The programs will be specifically designed for students who need a structured learning
environment focusing on functional skills, communication, and individualized learning needs; (2) In
cooperation with the School Administration, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services,, implement
procedures and policies for the district; (3) Utilize research based instructional strategies and practices
based on student’s individualized learning needs, best practices and common core state standards. (4) Align
lesson plans to ensure accommodations, assessments and standards are incorporated on a daily basis (5)
Work in coordination with teachers and administration to implement special education programs and
services (6) Prepare annual program goals and objectives, progress reviews, and maintain paperwork; (7)
Oversee the IEP process including attending IEP meetings as necessary, providing technical support for the
development of IEPs and coordinating the attendance of LEA representatives; (8) Assist in implementing
district and building initiatives; (9) Assist in creating a school climate characterized by mutual respect,
professionalism, and a high level of staff and student morale; (10) Participate in Problem Solving Teams
and consult with staff members regarding appropriate interventions, modifications and adaptations. (11)
Demonstrate proactive methods for identifying student needs and recommending methods to improve
services to students; (12) Provide reports and recommendations for placement in programs or services (13)
Participate as a team member in the identification of social/behavioral problems and assist in the design,
implementation and follow up on behavior intervention plans and programs for individuals and groups of
students; (14) Plan and consult with classroom teachers and administration as requested concerning any
academic, social emotional concerns, or other needs affecting a student and his/her progress (15) Serve as a
resource for crisis intervention by assisting with the development of crisis prevention and safety plans and
participating in crisis intervention activities; (16) Participate as a team member in referral for further
evaluation or follow-up services to the appropriate school personnel or community agencies;; (17) Facilitate
effective parent involvement ; (18) Participate in the development of scheduling and transition planning as
needed; (19) Utilize the computerized IEP system and ensure that special education data is recorded and
reported accurately;(20) Identify, evaluate, select, specialized instruction materials; (21) Determine students
eligible for extended school year and provide necessary information to register students for summer
programming. (22) Continue professional growth through memberships in professional organizations,
reading professional literature and exchanging ideas with other professional, attending PLCs and approved
workshops; (23) Serve as a member of designated district and building level teams and participate in any
other assigned meetings as related to position; (24) Complete other duties as assigned.
Formal Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Professional Educator’s License, Endorsed as a Learning Behavior
Specialist
Experience: 1. Must have demonstrated knowledge of special education with a strong understanding of
instructional strategies and behavioral supports. 2. Must demonstrate content area knowledge and Common
Core State Standards. 3. Must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. 4. Must
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demonstrate expertise in best practices and extensive knowledge in special education laws, procedures, and
best practices. 5. An ESL or bilingual background is helpful.
Essential Functions: Works at Winkelman Elementary and Field Middle School; this position is a
District position. Location may change based on the district's need.
Funding Source: Local
Work Environment: A Busy classroom environment with various student needs that require intensive
academic and behavioral supports.
Safety: Responsible for taking any and all steps necessary to protect oneself and others against
occupational accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
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