Nexus- Indian Oaks Family Healing is part of Nexus Family Healing, a national nonprofit network of mental health agencies with over 45 years of restoring hope for thousands of children and families through outpatient/community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment.

Nexus-Indian Oaks is located 50 miles south of Chicago in the small, rural community of Manteno, Illinois. We offer a unique homelike setting, where boys and girls ages 12 to 21 live, eat, exercise, and go to school on campus. Helping youth face difficult challenges isn’t easy — but for most of us, it’s the most satisfying work we’ve ever done.

Safe Harbor School is our very own private school that serves youth receiving treatment at Nexus- Indian Oaks.  SHS serves grade level 6 - 12, and students participate in a curriculum that is tailored to their unique needs and current grade level. The school provides a special education curriculum that is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. Credits transfer to any school upon the clients discharge.

Our Special Education Teacher provides direct instruction and instructional support to students with disabilities while working in collaboration with the general education teachers and is a responsible team member for the development of Individual Education Programs (IEP) by working with students in decision making, interpersonal development, and academic growth by providing the strategies, resources, and instruction to enable each student to meet the demands of Colleges and Career Readiness Standards.  

Primary responsibilities:

General Education

Provides direct instruction, and instructional support, to students with disabilities in general education inclusion setting with education teachers in a co-teaching role and/or provides direct instruction in the classroom. Completes academic testing and report writing for initial and triennial evaluations and prepares and monitors the implementation of the Individualized Education Plan. Prepares for IEP team meetings for inclusion and self- contained students in collaboration with other special education teachers and general education teachers while providing case management.

Student Performance, Assessments & Best Practices

Collects data on student performance to improve student outcomes and direct instruction. Selects, adapts and modifies materials to assist students with disabilities to access the general education curriculum and align with student’s present level and IEP goals; ensures IEP compliance with timelines (IEPs, triennial reviews, evaluations, etc.) Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.

Classroom Environment & Best Practices

Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students. Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for para-educators, teacher assistant(s), 1:1 dedicated aides, Therapeutic Behavioral Aides (TBA) and volunteer(s). Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate superior and/or governing authority. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior. Strives to implement by instruction and action the LSS (Local school system/district's) philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.

Student Goals & Progress

Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required. Maintains accurate and complete student records, collect data, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, and district policies/procedures. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and--in harmony with the goals establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and the like to communicate these objectives to students.

Student Casework

 Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.   

Program & Educational Policy, Procedure & Compliance

Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required. Incorporates modifications, accommodations, Universal Design for Learning, and differentiation to address diverse learning needs in lesson planning and content delivery. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom; develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and maintains classroom order.

Required Education and Licensure:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in an educational discipline is required. Active teacher’s licensure/certification required LBS1 Licensure. Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements

Nice to Have:

Minimum of 2 years previous teaching experience  Master’s degree in an educational discipline

Work Schedule:

Schedule: Monday-Friday 7a-3:30p Year-round school through the summer with pre-scheduled break weeks & holidays off Salary: $58,000-$66,000 annually based on credentials and years of teaching experience 

Work Environment:

Must be able to assist staff in proper restraining of youths. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100+ pounds with assistance. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2-4 hours). Must be able to twist, bend and stretch in a manner conducive to the execution of daily activities within the residential program.

ICARE Values & Behavioral Competencies:

Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches. Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern. Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly. Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate. Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.

At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions will be focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith. 

APPLY TODAY TO BE CONTACTED BY OUR RECRUITING TEAM! When you work at Nexus, you have the opportunity to change lives — including your own!

Keywords:  "Special Education", "Special Education Teacher", "LBS1", "PEL", "Teacher", "High School Teacher", "Junior High Teacher", "Middle School Teacher"