Self Contained – Special Education Teacher
Self Contained – Special Education Teacher
Job Title: Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained – Resource, Middle School)
Location: Mundelein, Illinois
Reports To: Principal & Special Education Coordinator
Position Type: Full-Time | Contract-to-Hire
Grade Level: Middle School
Pay Range: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications
Position Overview:
We are hiring a passionate and skilled Self-Contained Special Education Teacher to lead a small, highly supported classroom in a middle school setting. This is a new role designed to expand and strengthen the school’s commitment to inclusive, individualized education for students with higher needs. You’ll have your own classroom, consistent paraprofessional support, and the opportunity to collaborate closely with general education staff to maximize student growth and inclusion.
Why This School?
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Structured, Supportive, and Inclusive: Run your own classroom for 5–6 high-needs students, with 2 paraprofessionals and space designed to meet diverse needs.
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Collaborative, Positive Culture: Teachers truly enjoy each other’s company—movie nights, happy hours, and a strong sense of camaraderie are part of the school’s DNA.
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Built-In Integration: Students from general education join for specific lessons through a pull-out “Resource” model, and structured sensory activities help bridge connections across classrooms.
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Student-Focused Flexibility: A modern, proactive approach to special education backed by a district that prioritizes support and innovation.
What You’ll Do:
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Teach academic content and life skills to 5–6 students with ASD (verbal and non-verbal), developmental delays, and other high-support needs.
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Adapt and deliver individualized curriculum based on IEP goals in a self-contained setting.
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Incorporate assistive technology (including AAC devices) and sensory tools to support communication and development.
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Support an additional 5–10 students through targeted pull-out instruction in collaboration with general education staff.
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Collaborate with paraprofessionals, therapists, and related service providers to ensure coordinated care.
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Track and report progress, write IEPs, and participate in all necessary meetings.
Qualifications:
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Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 Endorsement
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Experience teaching students with ASD and developmental delays
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Skilled in differentiated instruction and individualized behavior planning
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus, but not required
Onboarding & First Day:
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Attend orientation and be introduced to classroom systems, school layout, and your caseload.
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Receive building access and setup for instructional tools and district systems.
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Meet with school leadership, student services staff, and paraprofessionals.
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Connect with families prior to school start.
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A dedicated mentor will be available to support you throughout your first year.
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Teacher evaluation follows the Danielson Framework.
A Typical Day:
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Teach and support students in your self-contained classroom using individualized and adaptive strategies.
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Collaborate with gen-ed teachers for student inclusion and lesson integration.
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Work on academic, social, and functional life skills through hands-on activities.
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Maintain a structured, sensory-aware learning environment.
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Guide and manage 2 paraprofessionals throughout the instructional day.
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Welcome resource model students into your classroom for specific subjects or small-group work.
School Culture & Additional Info:
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Energetic, Welcoming, and Fun: From happy hours to creative sensory strategies, the team balances work and joy.
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Proactive and Student-Centered: Focused on long-term development, inclusion, and strong outcomes.
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Facilities: Purpose-built sensory areas and calming tools are integrated into classrooms and shared spaces.
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Parking: On-site and accessible
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Dress Code: Business casual, with flexibility for classroom activities
Apply Today!
Our mission is to become a true resource to our teachers and therapists and connect them with leading schools in Illinois and Texas. When you #JoinTheHerd, you are part of the Spotter Staffing team.
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!