Special Education Instructor – K–2 Structured Program (2025–2026 School Year)
Our district is looking for a caring and motivated Special Education Teacher to guide a self-contained classroom for kindergarten through 2nd grade students with low-incidence disabilities, primarily autism. This full-time, school-year role offers the opportunity to provide meaningful support and help young learners reach their fullest potential through individualized instruction and structured teaching practices.
In this position, you will establish a supportive and consistent classroom environment that promotes growth in academic, social, and daily living skills. Responsibilities include developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), delivering targeted instruction based on student needs, and tracking progress toward goals. Collaboration is an essential component of this role—you’ll work alongside paraprofessionals, specialists, and families to ensure each student receives comprehensive and consistent support.
This opportunity is well-suited for an educator who is passionate about teaching students with autism and other low-incidence disabilities and who values structure, patience, and creativity in the classroom. You will foster an inclusive and encouraging space where children can build confidence, develop independence, and thrive both academically and socially.
Requirements
Hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in Special Education. A degree in Special Education or a closely related field is required (Bachelor’s minimum, Master’s preferred). Ideal candidates will bring a strong foundation in childhood development, behavioral support techniques, and a team-centered mindset.
Benefits
Clarifi Staffing Solutions — Helping you grow where you thrive!
Freqently Asked Questions
La Grange shows steady demand for special education instructors skilled in autism support due to growing awareness. Candidates with strong PEL endorsements in Illinois often find multiple openings, but competition rises for those with additional behavioral support expertise or structured teaching experience.
Holding an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a special education endorsement is essential. Additional credentials in autism-specific techniques or behavioral interventions further enhance employability, aligning well with local district requirements and expectations.
A special education instructor leads curriculum design, manages IEPs, and assesses student progress independently, whereas assistants support classroom activities. Instructors must demonstrate mastery in individualized instruction and behavior management, particularly for K–2 students with low-incidence disabilities.
Daily tasks involve implementing structured teaching strategies, tailoring lessons to developmental needs, collaborating with paraprofessionals, and engaging families. Monitoring social and academic growth through data collection ensures each student's IEP goals are met effectively.
Clarifi Staffing Solutions emphasizes personalized placement and professional growth, connecting instructors to districts valuing inclusive classrooms. Their support includes ongoing resources that help educators thrive in challenging environments, especially for those specializing in autism.
They provide access to workshops and training opportunities tailored to low-incidence disabilities, fostering skills in behavior support and structured programming. This commitment helps instructors stay current with best practices while enhancing classroom effectiveness.
Salaries typically range from $55,000 to $70,000 annually, reflecting Illinois’ cost of living and demand for specialized skills in autism education. Experienced instructors with advanced degrees and certifications may command salaries at the higher end of this spectrum.
Progression often moves from classroom teaching to roles like instructional coach, behavior specialist, or program coordinator. Advancing requires expanded expertise, leadership in IEP development, and proven success supporting students with diverse disabilities.
Balancing individualized plans with classroom dynamics, addressing communication barriers, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams can be complex. Success depends on creativity, patience, and strong behavioral intervention skills.
Yes, assistant roles provide essential classroom experience and insight into student needs, which can strengthen applications for instructor positions. However, obtaining the required educator license and endorsements is crucial for advancement.
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