Self Contained – Special Education Teacher

Self-Contained Special Education Teacher (Elementary)

Location: Wadsworth, IL
Start Date: Immediate (with opportunity to continue into 2026–2027 school year)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Pay: Up to $65/hour + benefits (including paid mileage)

The Opportunity (Why This Role Matters)

This is not a standard teaching job.

Beach Park is a working-class community where schools play a critical role in stability, development, and long-term outcomes for students. In a self-contained classroom, you are working with students who need the highest level of support early in life.

Without the right teacher in place:

• Students fall behind academically and socially
• Behavior challenges escalate instead of improving
• Long-term outcomes (middle school, high school, independence) are significantly impacted

With the right teacher:

• Students build foundational communication and behavioral skills
• Families gain stability and confidence
• The school and broader community become stronger

You’re not just filling a role—you’re changing trajectories.

About the School Environment

• Highly involved, hands-on district leadership
• Known locally for strong support of staff and students
• Collaborative culture with access to resources and support teams
• Leadership team that prioritizes teacher success, not just compliance

Position Overview

This role is for a self-contained elementary classroom, working with a small group of students who require individualized academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.

Self-contained classrooms are designed for intensive, personalized instruction in small groups, allowing you to tailor teaching to each student’s needs.

Top 3 Day-to-Day Responsibilities (What You’ll Actually Be Doing)

1. Deliver Individualized Instruction (IEP-Driven)
   • Plan and teach lessons based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
   • Modify curriculum and materials to meet diverse learning needs
   • Adjust instruction in real-time based on student response
     (Core responsibility of special ed teachers is individualized instruction aligned to IEPs)
2. Manage Classroom Behavior & Build Social Skills
   • Implement behavior plans and create a structured, safe environment
   • Teach communication, emotional regulation, and life skills
   • Provide consistent reinforcement and support throughout the day
3. Track Progress & Collaborate with Team
   • Monitor student progress and collect data daily
   • Work closely with therapists, general education teachers, and families
   • Update IEP goals and participate in team meetings
     (Collaboration, progress monitoring, and documentation are core daily duties)

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain compliant and organized IEP documentation
• Support paraprofessionals and classroom aides
• Communicate regularly with families
• Create a positive, structured learning environment

Qualifications

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 (or equivalent)
• Experience in elementary special education preferred
• Ability to manage behaviors and create structured environments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Up to $65/hour
• Paid mileage
• Opportunity for continued employment into the 2026–2027 school year
• Work in a high-support, leadership-driven district

Who This Is For

This role is for someone who:

• Wants to make a measurable impact quickly
• Can handle intensity and responsibility
• Takes ownership of outcomes, not just tasks

If you’re looking for an easy role—this isn’t it.
If you’re looking to do meaningful work that actually changes lives—this is it.