Special Education Teacher-Tri County Connections Academy
27 days ago
Bloomington
Job DescriptionSalary: IRS Salary $39649-79,340 depending on education and experience. Board paid TRS salary is $44073 to 88,195 also depending upon education and experience. Special Education Teacher Tri County Connections Academy About Us The TriCounty Connections Academy is a therapeutic day school designed for K-12 students whose complex social-emotional and behavioral needs require intensive support beyond what traditional settings can provide. We serve students others may have given up onand we believe deeply in their capacity to heal, grow, and succeed. Our approach is grounded in: Trauma-informed care Restorative practices Positive behavior support Reflective, collaborative problem-solving Unwavering belief that all behavior is communication and all students are capable of growth We are not a behavioral management program. We are an educational community committed to teaching the skills students needemotional regulation, social connection, academic progress, and resiliencewhile honoring their dignity and humanity every single day. Who We're Looking For: We are seeking a Special Education Teacher who is: Deeply Relational You know that connection comes before curriculum, and that students learn best from adults who genuinely see and believe in them Trauma-informed and curious You approach behavior with "What's getting in the way?" not "What's wrong with them?" Reflective and ego-free You're willing to examine your own practices, admit when something isn't working, and problem-solve collaboratively without defensiveness Committed to skill-building over compliance You teach regulation, social skills, and coping strategies with the same intentionality you bring to reading or math Calm in the storm You can stay regulated when students can't, responding with consistency and compassion even in crisis Flexible and adaptive You thrive in dynamic environments, adjusting instruction and supports based on what students need in the moment A true collaborator You value every voice on the teamparaprofessionals, therapists, familiesand approach problem-solving with humility and collective wisdom If you believe students deserve dignity, not consequences; curiosity, not judgment; and relationships, not reward chartsthis role is for you. What You'll Do Build Relationships and Foster Safety Prioritize connection and trust-building as the foundation for all learning Create a classroom environment where students feel safe, seen, valued, and capable Use co-regulation strategies to help students develop self-regulation over time Respond to dysregulation and crisis with calm, predictability, and compassion Design and Deliver Meaningful Instruction Develop engaging, differentiated lessons aligned with IEP goals and students' academic, social-emotional, and functional needs Teach the whole childintegrating academics with social skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and relationship-building Incorporate movement, sensory supports, brain breaks, and opportunities for regulation into daily routines Adapt instruction based on students' emotional and sensory readiness, not just academic level Celebrate effort, growth, and couragereframing mistakes as essential steps in learning Collaborate Without Ego Work interdependently with paraprofessionals, related service providers, behavior specialists, and leadership to support each student's success Engage in reflective problem-solving when students struggleasking "What's the student trying to communicate? What skill are they missing? What can we do differently?" Participate in regular team debriefs after crises or challenges, focused on understanding patterns and adjusting supports (not blame) Value and incorporate input from every team member, recognizing that collective wisdom drives better outcomes Partner Authentically with Families Communicate proactively, transparently, and with compassion Lead with strengths and progress, even when challenges persist Listen deeply to families' knowledge, culture, and concernsthey are experts on their child Share strategies and data so families can reinforce skills at home Build trust through consistency, follow-through, and genuine partnership Use Trauma-Informed and Restorative Practices Approach all behavior as communication and respond with curiosity Implement positive behavior supports focused on teaching skills, not managing behavior Maintain predictable routines, clear expectations, and consistent responses to create felt safety Use restorative practices when harm occursprioritizing repair, accountability, and learning over punishment Separate the student from their behavior; protect dignity always Monitor Progress and Adapt Collect meaningful data on academic, behavioral, and social-emotional progress Use data to drive decision-making and adjust supports proactively Write and implement IEPs that reflect the whole studentnot just academic deficits Participate in IEP meetings, contributing insights and collaborating with districts and families Support transition planningwhether students are preparing to return to less restrictive settings or transition to adult life Engage in Continuous Growth Participate in ongoing professional development in trauma-informed practices, de-escalation, restorative practices, and positive behavior support Reflect on your own triggers, biases, and responsesthis work requires self-awareness and humility Stay open to feedback, new strategies, and evolving best practices Take care of yourselfyour wellness directly impacts your students Qualifications Required: Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with LBS1 endorsement Commitment to trauma-informed, restorative, and relationship-based practices Ability to remain calm, consistent, and compassionate in dynamic and challenging situations Willingness to work collaboratively, reflectively, and without ego Belief that all students are capable of growth when provided the right supports ISBE Restraint & Time Out Training Willingness and physical ability to participate in a district provided crisis management training program Preferred: Experience working with students with complex trauma, autism, emotional disabilities, ADHD, or significant behavioral needs Training or experience in positive behavior support, restorative practices, de-escalation, or therapeutic models (e.g., CBT, DBT skills) Experience teaching across multiple grade levels or in alternative education settings Understanding of sensory needs and regulation strategies Essential Dispositions: Curiosity over judgment You approach struggles with "What's missing?" not "What's wrong?" Humility and reflectiveness You're willing to admit when something isn't working and change course Resilience and patience You understand that progress is not linear and setbacks are part of learning Cultural responsiveness You honor and affirm the identities, cultures, and lived experiences of students and families Commitment to equity You believe every student deserves dignity, access, and opportunity What This Role May Involve Teaching across multiple grade levels (elementary through high school/age 22) Supporting students with a wide range of needsincluding emotional disabilities, autism, ADHD, trauma histories, and other complex learning profiles Responding to crisis situations with de-escalation, co-regulation, and safety planning (physical intervention only as a last resort to ensure safety) Working in a highly collaborative, cross-district setting with students referred by multiple school districts Helping to build and shape a developing programyour voice and insights will matter Why This Role Matters Our students have often been toldimplicitly or explicitlythat they are "too much," "too difficult," or "not worth the effort." You will prove otherwise. You will be the adult who stays, who believes, who adapts, who sees potential where others saw problems. This is hard work. It will stretch you, challenge you, and require everything you have some days. But it is also deeply meaningful work. You will change livesnot through behavior charts or consequence systems, but through relationships, skill-building, and unwavering belief. If you are ready to do this work with integrity, humility, and heartwe want to meet you.