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 credentialsBonus: 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 withLBS1 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.