Teaching Assistant, Special Education (Bachelor's Required)
DutiesDescriptionYou can be part of a special team dedicated to helping children and strengthening the community. Hammitt School is a premier special education facility serving 40 school districts throughout Illinois. The Special Education Teacher Assistant at our Hammitt Junior/Senior High School assists the Lead Teacher and other classroom/support staff in providing a comprehensive, trauma-informed education and behavioral program for students with severe emotional and behavioral disabilities and/or autism. Classroom assignments may vary based on program needs to include academic, physical education, fine arts, and/or technology settings. Positions now open in our elementary and junior high/high school locations. *Bachelor's Degree and valid Driver's License required.WORK HOURS: Full-time, 37.5 hours/week, generally 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, following the school calendar; shorter days for Extended School Year hours with full time pay.LOCATION: Hammitt School on Oglesby, 612 Oglesby Ave, Normal, ILBASIC FUNCTION: The Special Education Teacher Assistant for the Elementary Autism Program (STRIVE) assists the Lead Teacher and other classroom/support staff in providing a comprehensive, trauma-informed education and behavioral program for students with severe emotional and behavioral disabilities and/or autism. Classroom assignments may vary based on program needs to include academic, physical education, fine arts, and/or technology settings.RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING ASSISTANT:Behavioral and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention: Incorporates trauma-informed practices to create a positive and safe educational environment for students and promote individual learning, growth, and development. Implements the clinical behavioral treatment program according to guidelines, including individualized programming and crisis intervention. Implements the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) program to de-escalate potential and/or actual crises according to guidelines.Social Skills Training: Implements social skills training and integrates social skills curriculum throughout the day.Educational Instruction: Under the direction of the Teacher Therapist, plans, coordinates, evaluates, and implements a comprehensive curriculum which meets the individualized behavioral, academic and social needs of each student enrolled in the classroom and which is directly related to each child's Individualized Educational Plan. Provides classroom instruction under the direction of certified teaching staff.Data Collection and Progress Reporting: Under the direction of the Teacher Therapist, collects, prepares and presents behavioral and academic data on each child in the classroom. Assesses student performance levels (behavioral and academic) and recommends appropriate goals and objectives in the IEP staffing process.Lesson Plans: Under the direction of the Teacher Therapist, develops and implements lesson plans that reflect best practice in specialized educational instruction.NEW!: Opportunity to grow with us and earn your LBS-1 Teaching Certification, tuition free, through our HomeGrown program!!EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT: The Baby Fold is committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, where each individual feels empowered and where our differences are celebrated. We encourage each other to engage in meaningful conversations, seek out different perspectives, and continually work to cultivate an environment where all ideas are valued.QualificationsREQUIREMENTS TO BE A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER ASSISTANT:Bachelor's Degree required. Bachelor's degree in education or a related field strongly preferred.Valid Driver's license with adequate car insurance and driving record.Substitute Teaching license preferred, or ability to obtain upon hireSalary/BenefitsPAY: $34,125 - $42,656.25 annually hourly/non-exempt, based on experience, education, and certifications, paid over breaks.$1000 SIGN ON BONUS for external applicants.BENEFITS:We take good care of our employees so they can take care of our community. Benefits for full time Special Education Teacher Assistants include:Health Insurance (choice of 3 medical plans)Dental & Vision InsuranceRetirement plan (403(b)/ROTH) with employer matchNo cost Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability InsuranceFlexible Spending Plan and Dependent Care PlanPaid Vacation, Personal time, Sick time, and Paid HolidaysTuition ReimbursementEmployee Assistance ProgramNo fee, No credit check $1,500 Line of Credit for medical, mental health, & veterinary servicesPersonalized assistance with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ProgramPaid over school breaks (for school staff)Advancement opportunitiesMentorship and professional development opportunitiesHow to ApplyPlease apply through our career page or Indeed:https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/BAB1001TBF/JobBoard/7edc8d27-91d8-4aab-99a8-b2c20a8c5943/?q=&o=postedDateDesc&f5=VJrtk8IWz0mjxDcUhP6wXALink to District/Third Party Online Application Web Pagehttps://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/5d9271f3-45d2-4d5e-9248-54dee3f96dc6/Baby-FoldEmail Addresshumanresources@thebabyfold.orgSchool DistrictThe Baby FoldPosition Websitehttps://www.thebabyfold.org/careers/tbfILearn LinkILearnReport Card LinkDistrict Report CardJob Posting Date12/15/2025Start DateN/A