Special Education Teacher for Students with Significant Behaviors in a Therapeutic Setting

Position Type:Special Education TeachingDate Posted:12/1/2025Location:Matteson ESD 162Date Available:12/2025SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER FOR STUDENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT BEHAVIORS IN A THERAPEUTIC SETTINGOverviewMatteson School District 162, located in Richton Park, IL, is seeking a highly qualified special education teacher to provide instruction and support in a school serving students in grades K-8 with multiple, complex disabilities. This teacher works with a team of specialized professionals and related services staff to support students whose emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges significantly impact their learning and social success. Each classroom is specifically designed to include specialized curriculum and instructional tools, and a low student/staff ratio that supports individualized and small group instruction.QualificationsEducation: Bachelors or Masters degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Applied Behavior Analysis, or a related field is requiredCertification/Licensure: Illinois State issued LBS1 license or equivalent (required)Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in a special education classroom or clinical setting with experience working with children with multiple and severe disabilities (K-8 experience preferred)Desired Skills & AttributesExperience working with a team to develop and implement IEPs that integrate both academic instruction and social/emotional/behavioral goals; Demonstrated ability to adapt and modify the general education curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students with significant emotional and behavioral challenges;Knowledge of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and positive behavior support;Experience developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and social skills training consistent with student IEPs;Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with parents, colleagues and program supervisors.Key ResponsibilitiesInstruction and Curriculum:Provide instruction for students based on their individualized education program goalsMonitor and accurately record student progress on academic and behavior goalsCollect and analyze data to inform instructional decisions and adjust behavioral interventions as neededWork collaboratively with a multidisciplinary therapeutic team to develop and integrate classroom strategies necessary for students' to achieve IEP goalsUtilize positive reinforcement, descalation techniques, and structured routines to help students develop self-control and coping skillsCreate and maintain a safe, therapeutic, and highly structured classroom with visual schedules, quiet areas for descalation, and sensory tools.Facilitate individual and group sessions focused on improving communication, problem-solving and peer relationships.Classroom and School ClimateFoster a positive, student-centered class climate that promotes safety, engagement and belongingDirect and supervise the activities of paraprofessionals and instructional assistants within the classroomActively promote trust and a culture of excellenceApplication ProcessInterested applicants should submit:ResumeLetter of interestCopies of relevant Illinois LicensureTwo professional referencesApplications will be reviewed until the position is filled