at Thresholds in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
We are seeking a Special Education teacher for Thresholds High School! Thresholds High School is an Illinois State Board of Education certified Therapeutic Day School for students ages 16 to 21 years old with ongoing serious mental health needs. The Thresholds High School provides a distinct combination of flexibility and support in order to help students achieve both their high school diploma and their transition goals.
Because students come from a multitude of suburban and Chicago home districts, Thresholds High School works closely with these school districts to ensure that students are successful in meeting their personal and Individual Education Plan goals, increasing academic achievement, graduating, and preparing for their next steps. Students take advantage of the robust Thresholds vocational services, which provides evidence-based Supported Employment and Supported Education for postsecondary endeavors. Students also benefit from the Young Adult Program’s rich therapeutic supports that address anxiety, frustration, school refusal, and other issues that derailed their academic success in other schools. This role would begin in July, after the end of the current term.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Educates the students of Thresholds High School and assumes a leadership role in the program, with direct responsibility for the supervision of all students in the classroom
- Plans and develops a course of study according to curriculum guidelines of the school district and state requirements. Actual curriculum must often be tailored for three or more levels of academic ability and previous achievement.
- Prepares assignments and lesson plans weekly. Monitors, assists, corrects, and grades student performance.
- Conducts standardized tests in accordance with district policies and state laws.
- Shares, with other Teachers and Aides, the responsibilities of monitoring the lunchroom and gym.
- Counsels students when academic difficulties or behavioral problems arise.
- Keeps records of academic performance, attendance, and social acclimation, and completes all required paperwork for the Illinois State Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools, and DCFS.
- Utilizes strategies of positive reinforcement while maintaining the classroom in a clear and orderly fashion. Classroom supervision is to be provided at all times.
- Cooperates with other staff in the coordination of treatment and treatment planning, as well as the developments and implementation of individualized service and educational plans.
- Performs crisis intervention using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills. Performs and supervises physical management when necessary. Training in TCI is provided by Thresholds.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education is required; Master’s Degree in Special Education is preferred.
- Current Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) license.
- Previous experience working with high school aged children dealing with mental illness is preferred.
- Use of physical management technique requires moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor
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Covid-19 Note
- In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from Thresholds, you will be required to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination and booster upon eligibility. You may apply for a Medical or Religious Exemption in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
What sets Thresholds apart:
- Competitive pay - Base Rate: $26.00 - 28.50 per hour / $54,070 - 59,270 annually
- Subject to increase based on education and experience
- Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
- Dental insurance, vision insurance, 4 medical insurance plans
- 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
- Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
- Mileage reimbursement
- Public service loan forgiveness
- Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)
- Reimbursement for professional licensure and license renewal
