Onward Search Education is a specialized education staffing and talent solutions company that helps educators, therapists, and school health professionals find top jobs with the nation's top schools. We're partnering with an exceptional school district in Lake County, IL, searching for a compassionate Special Education Teacher to provide individualized instruction in a self-contained 3rd-5th grade classroom..

In this role, you will support young learners in an early childhood classroom by collaborating closely with teachers, providing individualized and small-group support, and implementing developmentally appropriate, evidence-based strategies. You will help foster engagement, early skill development, and an inclusive learning environment that meets the diverse needs of children in their foundational years.

Position Details:

• Schedule: Monday-Friday, full school day
• Start Date: Immediate
• End Date: June 2026
• Grade Levels: 3rd-5th grade

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans and early learning goals, adapt curriculum, and monitor developmental progress for young learners with diverse needs.
• Support children in accessing early literacy, numeracy, and social learning by collaborating with classroom teachers and using developmentally appropriate, differentiated instruction.
• Use data-informed observations and evidence-based early childhood strategies to promote foundational skill development, engagement, and readiness for learning.
• Provide individualized and small-group support to strengthen academic, social, emotional, and behavioral skills while promoting inclusion and positive classroom participation.
• Create a structured, nurturing classroom environment that encourages independence, self-regulation, communication, and positive peer interactions.
• Collaborate with educators, related service providers, and families to ensure consistent support and alignment across home and school settings.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related field.

• Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education Endorsement in the state of Illinois.

• Prior experience supporting students with diverse learning needs in special education or inclusive classroom settings; experience working with students aged 3-5 preferred.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits package.

• Guaranteed weekly hours.

• Access to a wide network of schools and districts for diverse placement options.

• Streamlined hiring process to get you started quickly.

• Ongoing communication and advocacy throughout your placement.

• Personalized support from dedicated recruiting professionals.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Why Apply? If you’re passionate about creating positive change and supporting students’ success, this is the opportunity for you! Work alongside a dedicated team of educators and support staff, helping students reach their full potential.

Ready to join us? Apply today – we can’t wait to hear from you!

Employer Details:

• Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
• Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full time temporary assignments.
• Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.
• Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing and technology. Our clients are continuously turning to us to fill their open positions. Therefore, there is no application deadline for this position, as we are seeking candidates for this type of role across all our clients on an ongoing basis.