Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher (LBS1) - Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (O-School)

Chicago, IL | Full-Time | $65,000-$85,000 + Bonus

Make a Meaningful Difference Every Day

Join the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School (O-School) and teach in a therapeutic, relationship-centered environment serving students with emotional disabilities, autism, and complex behavioral and mental health needs.

If you're passionate about inclusive education, collaboration, and whole-child development, this is an opportunity to do deeply impactful work alongside a highly supportive team.

Why Join O-School?

A Therapeutic, Team-Based Environment

At O-School, you're never teaching alone. Our model is intentionally designed for support, collaboration, and student success.

• 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio supporting highly tailored, student-centered instruction
• Strong classroom teams including:
  • Co-Teachers
  • Teacher Assistants
  • 1:1 Instructional Aides
  • Crisis Intervention Specialists
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, therapists, and behavioral specialists
• A structured, trauma-informed, and relationship-based approach

For over 100 years, O-School has provided innovative educational and therapeutic services to students ages 8-22 in a safe, nurturing environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $65,000-$85,000/year based on experience and credentials
Bonus: Eligibility for performance and/or retention bonuses

Benefits:

• Health: Medical, dental, and vision insurance (effective Day 1)
• Financial: 403(b) with Roth option; HSA/FSA; company-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Time Off:
  • Up to 7 weeks of paid school breaks annually
  • 6 personal days, 10 sick days, 11 holidays
• Growth: Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development
• Wellness: Employee Assistance Program
• Family Support: 529 College Savings Program

Work-Life Balance

• Monday-Friday schedule: 8:15 AM - 4:30 PM
• Shortened summer academic schedule
• Time off in July and August

What You'll Do

As a Special Education Teacher, you'll play a central role in both the academic and emotional growth of your students:

• Design and deliver IEP-aligned, differentiated lesson plans
• Use creative, engaging instructional strategies tailored to individual needs
• Implement therapeutic and trauma-informed practices to support emotional regulation
• Collaborate closely with clinicians, behavior specialists, and classroom staff
• Foster a structured, supportive classroom environment
• Partner with families and multidisciplinary teams
• Write and manage IEPs and student progress reports
• Contribute to a holistic, therapeutic school culture

Who Thrives Here

You'll succeed at O-School if you:

• Believe in relationship-based, student-centered teaching
• Are patient, flexible, and emotionally resilient
• Value team collaboration and shared responsibility
• Are passionate about supporting students with complex learning and behavioral needs
• Use or are eager to learn strengths-based and trauma-informed practices

Qualifications

Required

• Illinois Professional Educator License with LBS1 endorsement
• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field

Preferred

• Master's degree
• Experience with students with emotional disabilities, autism, or behavioral needs
• Experience in therapeutic, alternative, or specialized school settings

Why O-School?

At O-School, we believe every student deserves dignity, connection, and the opportunity to succeed. Our educators combine strong academics with clinical insight to help students grow in meaningful, lasting ways.

You'll join a community that prioritizes support, innovation, and professional growth-so you can do your best work and make a real impact.

Ready to Apply?

If you're a dedicated educator eager to make a difference in a highly supportive environment, we encourage you to apply today.

Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://orthogenicschooluchicago.applicantpro.com/jobs/4266448-1062255.html