Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher – 2025–2026 School Year – In‑Person

Ampersand Therapy is hiring passionate Special Education Teachers for the 2025–2026 school year! We offer full-time, in-person opportunities and are open to both experienced educators and recent graduates ready to make an impact.

We are a women-, therapist-, and minority-founded company that began in Washington and is now proudly local to Illinois. Our team is built by professionals who’ve worked in school settings—and we’re here to support your career with the empathy and understanding you deserve.

Position Details

Schedule: Full‑Time Start Date: August 2025 Location: In-person Open Roles:

• Instructional 4th and K–2nd
• Inclusion K–5th, K–2nd, 7th, and 8th
• LIFE (Cognitive Impairment) PreK and K–1
• ABC (Autism Support – Elementary)- 2 Paras- It is a high needs program with diapering, students who are nonverbal and have unique sensory needs.
• PALS (Behavior Support – Grades 2–3)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction aligned with IEP goals
• Attend IEP meetings and contribute to student-centered planning
• Collaborate with school teams, families, and service providers
• Maintain accurate documentation and timely progress reporting
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development

Qualifications

• Valid Illinois PEL with LBS1 Endorsement
• Strong commitment to inclusive, student-centered practices
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills
• Fingerprinting required prior to start

Benefits & Perks *(for 0.8 FTE and higher)

• Paid Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance*
• 401(k) with Employer Match*
• Reimbursements for licensing, CEUs, and professional fees
• Mileage Reimbursement at IRS Rate
• W2 Employment
• General & Professional Liability Insurance
• Referral Bonuses
• No Non-Compete Clauses
• Paid Volunteer Time + Charity Donation Matching*

*(for 0.8 FTE and higher)

Why Work With Ampersand Therapy?

At Ampersand Therapy, we’re not your typical staffing company. We’re a therapist-run team that believes in empowering professionals who serve students in schools every day. Our founders started in public schools—both as direct employees and contractors—and created Ampersand to offer a values-driven alternative to large agencies.

Whether you're looking for strong mentorship or a team that understands the realities of your role, we’re here to support you with purpose.

Our Values

Equity & Inclusion We prioritize equity in education and advocate for anti-racist practices. We support resources like The Conscious Kid and provide tools to help address discrimination in schools.

Community Engagement We actively support causes like Special Olympics, Project Canine, and The Moth—and we encourage our team to uplift the causes closest to their hearts.

Environmental Responsibility From going paperless to offsetting our carbon footprint, we work sustainably to protect our shared future.

An Inclusive Workplace

Ampersand Therapy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in all forms—race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, and background—and strive to create a workplace where all employees feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Apply Today!

If you’re a dedicated Special Education Teacher looking for a meaningful, school-based role within a supportive and mission-driven company— we’d love to hear from you. Join Ampersand Therapy and help shape a better school experience for students and professionals alike.