Middle School Special Education Teachers; Self Contained​/Instructional

Position: Middle School Special Education Teachers (Self Contained/Instructional)
Position Type:

Student Support Services/LBS1

Date Posted:

2/25/2026

Location:

Middle Schools

Date Available:

08/24/2026

Closing Date:

Until Filled

 Additional Information:
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The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 has openings for full-time Middle School Special Education Teachers (Structured Learning Environment) for the  School Year.

Job Title:

Special Education Teacher (Structured Learning Environment - Instructional)

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

The Structured Learning Environment (SLE) program is part of a multi-tiered, systematic process of support and interventions to meet the needs of all students so they can reach their full potential. Our program is designed for students at the top of tier 3 for academic and/or behavioral support. Structured Learning Environments are self-contained classrooms designed to provide the structure, intensive skill instruction, support, and safety that these students need in order for them to gain skills to be successful in a less restrictive environment.

This classroom has at least one associate supporting.

The special education teacher in a structured learning environment is responsible for instructional and functional, community-based curriculum and behavior management for students who have moderate-to-severe multiple needs and students with autism. The SLE Teacher works collaboratively with general and special education teachers, support personnel, administrators, and parents to facilitate the educational benefit of students with moderate-to-severe multiple disabilities and autism.

Essential Duties

* Strive towards the LRE for all students and engage in advocacy for students to be meaningfully included

* Plan and implement direct instruction, curriculum and supplemental materials in self-contained and inclusive settings.

* Work collaboratively with general education staff to prepare curriculum and instruction for students with diverse learning needs

* Development and updating student IEP's

* Assist in planning alternate assessments, portfolios, curriculum based measurement, etc

* Utilize data based decision making to differentiate instruction to support student outcomes

* Assist in the identification of educational benefits with the general education curriculum

* Design behavior management strategies

* Demonstrate instructional and behavioral strategies

* Facilitate team problem-solving, and team training, particularly with non-certified staff

* Demonstrate effective communication skills with all stakeholders (e.g., parents, students, staff, community members)

* Work with parents to support inclusion

* Design programs to assist in the development of peer support in instructional and social settings

* Provide direction to teachers and support staff on state-of-the-art instruction for students with moderate-to-severe multiple disabilities and autism, TEACCH, Discrete Trial, social stories, etc.

* Utilize and implement technology to foster student learning

* Participate as a member of a transdisciplinary team to ensure all aspects of educational programming are implemented

* Foster generalization of skills across environments (e.g., school, community, home, vocational, extra-curricular)

Characteristics

* Hold the belief that all students can achieve and model that belief through all actions.

* Is a flexible, reflective, life-long learner.

* Use and model effective communication skills to collaborate with students, staff, administrators, parents, and community members.

* Maintain high expectations for self, students, and staff, and exercise professional and ethical judgment in all areas.

* Is guided by the concept of access, opportunity, and empowerment for all members of the broader community.

Additional

Job Functions:

Performs other duties as directed by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Equity & Inclusion, and Building Principal

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/ QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

* Illinois Professional Educator License with LBS I Endorsement

* Clearance of FBI Background check required;
Successful completion of Faith's Law/EHR requirements.

* Physical Exam within last year of hire date.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to

* Sit, stand, talk and hear for extended periods of time, operate electronic equipment; and reach with hands and arms and will repeat actions with the same hand, arm or finger motion.

* Have vision abilities required include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

* To have regular lifting, carrying, bending, pushing, and/or pulling and significant finger dexterity actions.

* Ability to physically manage and/or restrain students weighing up to 250 pounds, with assistance, when needed.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and fringe benefits will be set…