Special Education Teacher Jobs in Illinois
Special Education Teacher jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, with steady demand across public school districts, private therapeutic day schools, and early intervention programs at every level from paraprofessional-to-teacher transitions through lead and department-head roles. Chicago Public Schools, Easterseals, and Clearbrook are among the anchor employers, with the largest concentrations of openings in the Chicago metro, Rockford, and Springfield. Autism spectrum support, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities specialists are the most consistently sought sub-areas statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Date Posted:
11/2/2026
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Location:
Boulder Hill Elementary School
COMPENSATION: $112 per day
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid Illinois Educator License with Stipulations - Paraprofessional or Professional Educator License or Substitute Teacher License.
- Appropriate verbal and written language skills
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job
- Ability to use basic job-related equipment.
- Experience working with children preferred.
- Ability to work well with students and staff
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of a licensed teacher and/or administrator, the Teacher Assistant is responsible for monitoring and/or presenting and reinforcing skills with small groups of students or one-on-one, maintaining and updating student records and monitoring and recording students' academic and behavioral progress. May also plan and present lessons, prepare instructional materials, monitor students in various non-classroom settings and/or assist in the administration of tests. Individuals in this position may be assigned to one or more classrooms. May assist with translation and/or communication using second language skills when possible.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:- Facilitates and/or monitors small group and one-on-one instruction of students in order to present, guide and/or reinforce skills, concepts and strategies. Employs a variety of instructional and motivational techniques to encourage student learning and achievement.
- Maintains confidentiality regarding all aspects of work with students and other staff.
- Maintains and updates records of student progress, attendance, test scores and/or personal information as requested.
- Prepares instructional materials for use in class or "pull-out" small groups.
- Prepares supplies, materials and equipment for lessons.
- Participates in all meetings, and professional development activities as assigned by the building or district administrator.
- May substitute for fellow workers as needed on a temporary basis. This may include supporting special education and specialized handling and care of students (toileting, diapering and feeding).
- Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. classrooms, restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, assemblies, field trips) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
- Performs before- and after-school and/or lunch and recess supervision as assigned.
- Supports and implements District policies and procedures, regulations, and administrative directives.
- Adheres to the ethical standards and codes of the profession and to the established rules, and regulations.
- Performs other related duties as may be directed by the building or district administrator.
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Date Posted:
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Find JobsSpecial Education Teacher Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Teacher Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Chicago Public Schools16

- Oswego Community Unit School District 3087

- The Menta Education5

- Burbank School District 1115
- Elmhurst Community Unit School District 2054
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teacher jobs across Illinois.
- Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with a Special Education approval from ISBE
- Bachelor's or master's degree in special education or a closely related field
- Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs for students
- Knowledge of Illinois state special education compliance regulations and procedures
- Ability to collaborate with general education teachers, therapists, and family members
- Proficiency with assistive technology tools and differentiated instructional strategies
Special Education Teacher Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education teacher in Illinois?
To become a special education teacher in Illinois, you must earn a Professional Educator License with a Special Education approval issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. This requires completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing the Illinois Licensure Testing System exams including the Special Education General Curriculum test, and completing student teaching hours. The Illinois State Board of Education oversees all licensing, and candidates apply through the ISBE Educator Licensure Information System.
How much do special education teachers make in Illinois?
Special education teachers in Illinois earn a median of about $62,580 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $42,320 for the lowest 10% to over $100,460 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire special education teachers in Illinois?
Employers hiring special education teachers in Illinois right now include Chicago Public Schools, Oswego Community Unit School District 308, and The Menta Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's mix of large urban public districts, private therapeutic day schools, and nonprofit disability-services organizations means hiring is spread across employer types rather than concentrated in a single sector.
Which Illinois cities have the most special education teacher jobs?
Chicago, Burbank, and Oswego have the most special education teacher openings in Illinois. The Chicago metro dominates due to the sheer size of Chicago Public Schools and the dense network of private special education providers in the suburbs, while Rockford and Springfield reflect the staffing needs of their respective regional school districts and state-funded early intervention programs.
Are there remote special education teacher jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of special education teacher openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most of the work requires in-person instruction, therapy co-facilitation, and direct student support. The roles most likely to carry a remote or hybrid component are supervisory positions, special education coordinators, and itinerant consulting roles that focus on compliance review or IEP coaching rather than daily classroom instruction.
How can I get hired as a special education teacher in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying as a special education paraprofessional or instructional aide within a district while completing an Illinois-approved teacher preparation program. Chicago Public Schools and many suburban Cook County districts hire paraprofessionals without a teaching license and offer tuition support partnerships with local universities. Candidates who hold an Illinois substitute teaching license can gain classroom exposure quickly. Completing coursework toward the ISBE Special Education approval and logging student teaching hours in an Illinois placement significantly strengthens applications for junior teaching roles.
Where can I find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to special education teacher jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings, identify roles that match your license endorsement and preferred district or employer type, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
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