Self Contained – Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher – Self-Contained Autism Classroom (Grades 4–5)

Location: Central McHenry County, IL
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:55 AM – 3:15 PM (30-minute unpaid lunch)
Pay: Up to $55/hour
Start Date: March 30, 2026
End Date: May 28, 2026

Position Overview

Spotter is seeking a Special Education Teacher to lead a self-contained classroom of 8 students in 4th and 5th grade, all of whom are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder and may have additional cognitive or related disabilities on their IEPs.

This classroom is supported by three paraprofessionals, and the teacher serves as the instructional leader, case manager, and behavior support lead, ensuring students receive individualized, structured, and consistent support in a safe and predictable learning environment.

While this assignment concludes at the end of the school year, there are opportunities to continue with Spotter through Extended School Year (ESY) services and into the next school year.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Classroom Leadership
– Deliver small-group and individualized instruction aligned to IEP goals
– Differentiate instruction across multiple academic and functional levels
– Implement structured, predictable routines and visual supports
– Integrate functional academics, life skills, and independence goals as appropriate
– Autism-Specific Programming

Use evidence-based practices for students with autism (structured teaching, task analysis, visual schedules)
– Support functional communication, including AAC when applicable
– Teach and reinforce social communication and self-regulation skills
– Proactively support transitions and changes in routine

Behavior & Social-Emotional Support
– Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and positive behavior supports
– Monitor sensory needs and provide regulation strategies and movement breaks
– De-escalate behaviors using district-approved safety protocols
– Ensure consistent responses to behavior across all staff

Paraprofessional Supervision
– Provide daily direction and oversight to three paraprofessionals
– Assign roles strategically based on student needs
– Coach staff on prompting, data collection, and behavior support strategies
– Ensure consistency, professionalism, and student safety at all times

IEP & Compliance
– Implement and monitor IEP goals and accommodations
– Collect and maintain accurate progress monitoring data
– Collaborate with related service providers (SLP, OT, social work, etc.)
– Communicate clearly with families and the school team as needed

Required Qualifications

– Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement
– Experience working with students with autism in a self-contained setting
– Strong classroom management and behavior support skills
– Ability to lead and collaborate with paraprofessionals
– Organized, calm, and consistent approach to instruction and behavior

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!