Self Contained – Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Special Education Teacher (High-Needs ASD, Grades 9–12)
Location: Mundelein, Illinois
Reports to: Principal
Pay Range: $52–$57/hour

Why Join Our Team?

Impactful Work: This is a role for someone passionate about helping high school students with severe needs prepare not only for academic success but also for life beyond school. From teaching independence and social skills to building pathways toward adulthood, your impact here will be lifelong.

Strong Team Bond: Our staff is deeply committed to building trust with students and collaborating with each other. You’ll join a team where teachers, paras, and leadership work closely to ensure every child receives the best care and opportunities.

Ongoing Training & Support: We believe in equipping our educators with tools to succeed. You’ll receive continuous training to develop new strategies in instruction, behavior management, and transition planning.

A School That Gets It: This is a place where you can focus on the students who need you most. Leadership understands the challenges of this work and provides support, resources, and encouragement so you can make a real difference.

About Us

We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, structured, and supportive learning environment for high school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other high needs. Our mission is to prepare students for life after high school through individualized instruction, data-driven progress tracking, and strong family partnerships. With a secure facility, a collaborative staff, and a culture of care, this is a school where both students and teachers thrive.

Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient Special Education Teacher to work with grades 9–12 students with high-needs ASD. Many students are non-verbal and display challenging behaviors. The ideal candidate will be patient, calm under pressure, and committed to building trust and consistency. If you’re ready to take on a role that combines individualized instruction, life-skills development, and behavioral support, this is the opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 instruction and small-group support tailored to individual IEP goals.

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with students to foster safety and learning.

• Support functional academics, daily living skills, social-emotional learning, and transition planning for post-secondary life.

• Implement and track data-driven behavior management strategies, including de-escalation techniques.

• Collect and analyze student progress weekly, using behavioral and academic tracking tools.

• Collaborate daily with paras, therapists, and other team members.

• Attend quarterly IEP reviews and parent meetings, as well as bi-monthly school events.

• Follow school safety protocols, including no-touch procedures and use of pads when necessary.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience working with high-needs ASD students (school or clinical setting).

• Ability to teach and support 80% non-verbal students, including those with aggressive behaviors.

• Strong interpersonal and trust-building skills.

• Openness to ask questions, seek help, and grow through training.

• Flexibility and comfort in an unpredictable environment.

What You Can Expect on Day One

• NEST Training: Comprehensive onboarding with no-touch protocols and pad use training.

• Orientation: Tour of the high school campus, classroom setup, and introductions to the team.

• Hands-On Support: You’ll quickly begin 1:1 instruction with guidance from staff.

• Collaboration: Join a welcoming, dedicated group that values teamwork and communication.

A Typical Day in This Role

• Begin the day with structured 1:1 or small group instruction.

• Support functional academics, job readiness, and independent living skills.

• Rotate between classroom learning, vocational activities, and community-based instruction where appropriate.

• Collect daily data and review progress with team members.

• Balance teaching, de-escalation, and trust-building as each day brings unique challenges and wins.

School Culture & Environment

• Inclusive & Supportive: Staff are valued as much as students, creating a true team environment.

• Community Engagement: Participate in school events, celebrations, and family partnerships.

• Future-Focused: Strong emphasis on preparing students for independence after graduation.

Additional Details

• Parking & Accessibility: Convenient on-site parking.

• Security: Locked entry points and cameras ensure a safe environment for students and staff.

• Dress Code: Professional but flexible—be comfortable and ready for active engagement with students.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of high school students with significant needs while working in a supportive, structured, and well-resourced environment, we encourage you to apply today.

Apply Today!

Our mission is to become a true resource to our teachers and therapists and connect them with leading schools in Illinois and Texas. When you #JoinTheHerd, you are part of the Spotter Staffing team.

Spotter Staffing Career Perks Include:

• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision health care plans provided through Bennie Benefits (www.bennie.com)
• Professional Allowance Plan (supporting continuing education, professional association membership affiliations, classroom supplies and licensure costs)
• Employee 401k Retirement plan advised by RW Baird (www.bairdwealth.com)
• Paid Time Off
• Aspire Continuing Education
• Spotter Connections w/ Clinical Experts
• Dedicated Professional Recruiter
• Easy to use timekeeping system through ADP (www.adp.com)
• And More!