Self Contained – Special Education Teacher

Self-Contained Special Education Teacher (Grades 3–5)

Near Wadsworth | Lake County, IL

Start Date: Immediate
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:40 AM – 2:50 PM
Duration: Remainder of the current school year, with the option to continue into next school year
Pay: $50–$60 per hour

Position Overview

We are seeking a Self-Contained Special Education Teacher to support 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in a structured, self-contained classroom setting. This role is ideal for an educator who can step in day one, confidently manage a classroom, implement IEPs, and deliver differentiated instruction to students with moderate to intensive learning needs.

This position is supported by Spotter Lake County, which is actively building its newest and fastest-growing team in Illinois. Spotter was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in 2024 and 2025, offering stability, growth, and long-term career opportunity.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide full-day instruction in a self-contained classroom for 3rd–5th grade students

• Independently implement and manage IEPs, including goals, accommodations, behavior supports, and service minutes

• Deliver differentiated academic instruction aligned with district curriculum and student ability levels

• Establish and maintain classroom routines, structure, and behavior supports

• Collect, document, and analyze progress-monitoring data

• Collaborate with related service providers, administrators, and general education teachers as appropriate

• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and needs

• Maintain compliant, organized special education documentation

• Support student inclusion opportunities when appropriate

Day-One Skills Required for Success

This role requires an educator who can immediately:

• Run a self-contained classroom independently, including routines, transitions, and behavior management

• Execute IEPs and behavior plans without additional training or oversight

• Differentiate instruction across multiple ability levels while keeping students engaged and regulated

What Your First Day Will Look Like

• Orientation with school leadership and special education team

• Review of classroom setup, student profiles, IEPs, and behavior plans

• Walk-through of daily schedule, routines, and support structures

• Planning time to prepare instruction and establish expectations

• Immediate instructional support with ongoing Spotter guidance

Typical Caseload / Classroom

• Self-contained classroom, typically 8 students

• Students may have academic, behavioral, and/or social-emotional needs

• Paraprofessional or classroom support may be provided depending on student needs

Why This Opportunity

• Fulfill your passion for working with upper-elementary students who benefit from structure and consistency

• Join the newest and fastest-growing Spotter team in Illinois

• Opportunities to mentor, be mentored, and collaborate with experienced special educators

• Participation in team outings, additional incentives, and career advancement pathways

• Competitive pay and the option to continue into the next school year

Qualifications

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement

• Experience in self-contained or structured classroom settings preferred

• Strong classroom management and instructional differentiation skills

• Ability to step into an established classroom mid-year with confidence

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!