Resource – Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher (Upper Elementary)
Location: Near Zion, Illinois
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (30-minute unpaid lunch)
Weekly Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Pay: Approximately $55 per hour
Start Date: Immediate start with the opportunity to continue into the next school year

Position Overview

Spotter Staffing is seeking a Special Education Teacher to work with a small group of 12 upper-elementary students (3rd–5th grade) in a classroom that operates similarly to a self-contained model. The classroom is supported by two paraprofessionals, allowing the teacher to focus on instruction, behavior support, and individualized student growth.

Students in this program benefit from structured support and consistent expectations. While some students demonstrate behavioral challenges, behaviors are non-physical and typically present as work avoidance, resistance to tasks, difficulty with transitions, or challenges staying engaged. The right teacher will be structured, patient, and confident, while maintaining a positive and supportive classroom environment.

This role is ideal for an educator who enjoys building relationships, creating structure, and helping students develop academic and behavioral skills that allow them to be successful in school.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction in core academic subjects aligned with each student’s IEP goals.

• Manage a classroom environment that supports predictable routines, clear expectations, and positive behavior support.

• Work closely with two paraprofessionals to coordinate instruction, supervision, and behavior support strategies.

• Implement behavior management techniques that help students remain engaged and productive during instruction.

• Modify and adapt curriculum materials to meet the individual learning needs of students.

• Track student progress and maintain documentation aligned with IEP goals and school requirements.

• Communicate regularly with parents, case managers, and the school support team regarding student progress.

• Participate in IEP meetings and collaborate with related service providers when appropriate.

• Provide small-group and individualized instruction based on student learning needs.

• Support students in developing self-regulation, task completion, and independence in the classroom.

Typical Classroom Work With These Students

Teachers in this role often focus on helping students:

• Stay engaged with academic work when they may initially resist starting tasks.

• Break assignments into manageable steps to help students experience success.

• Practice self-regulation and coping strategies when they feel frustrated or overwhelmed.

• Use positive reinforcement and structured routines to encourage productive behavior.

• Support students in developing organizational skills and work completion habits.

• Provide frequent redirection and encouragement to keep students focused.

• Help students build confidence in their academic abilities while maintaining clear expectations.

Ideal Candidate

• Licensed Special Education Teacher in Illinois (or eligible for licensure).

• Experience working with elementary students with behavioral or learning needs.

• Comfortable managing a classroom with behavioral support needs in a structured setting.

• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with paraprofessionals and school staff.

• Patient, organized, and confident in maintaining expectations while supporting stud

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 
• And More!