Special Education Teaching Assistant at CUSD 200

About the Role

The Special Education Teaching Assistant at Hawthorne Elementary plays a vital role in supporting the educational journey of students with disabilities. Working under the guidance of the Classroom Teacher and Building Principal, this position is dedicated to enhancing the learning experience through both instructional and non-instructional support. The primary focus is to assist teachers in meeting the unique needs of their students, ensuring a balanced program that encourages observation, inquiry, and growth.

In this full-time capacity, you will function as a key member of the school community, fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and parents. Your day will involve reinforcing lesson concepts, working with individuals or small groups on academic studies and life skills, and implementing behavior modification plans tailored to individual student needs. Beyond the classroom, you will support students during transitions such as recess, lunch, and bus safety, while also assisting with necessary hygiene and toileting activities. This role requires a compassionate approach to child guidance, behavior management, and maintaining strict confidentiality regarding student records.

Compensation and Benefits

This position covers the 2026-2027 school year with 178 work days and a 6.5-hour daily schedule. The base hourly rate is determined by the CEA collective bargaining agreement, starting at $17.23. Additional compensation opportunities exist for those assigned to high-needs classrooms ($19.23) or those who complete a 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training program through Relias Academy ($23.23).

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield and VSP, with varying cost-share structures for employees.

Licensure and Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, candidates must hold one of the following current Illinois licenses or approvals:

Professional Educator License (PEL)
Substitute Teaching License
Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofessional Educator
Short Term Approval (STA) - Paraprofessional

Candidates without an existing teaching license must meet specific educational or testing requirements, such as holding an associate degree, completing 60 semester hours, or achieving specific scores on the ETS Parapro or ACT WorkKeys assessments. For those seeking Short Term Approval, a minimum age of 19 and proof of high school graduation are required.

Application and Contact

For questions regarding licensure requirements or the application process, please contact the DuPage Regional Office of Education, Licensure Division at 630-407-5800 or cert@dupageroe.org. Additional information on obtaining Short Term Approval is available in the attached documentation.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Planifyr

Key Responsibilities

check_circleAssist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction
check_circleReinforce information and instructions following a lesson
check_circleWork with students individually or in small groups in academic studies and life skills
check_circleImplement behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students
check_circleObserve and record student progress
check_circleAssist with hygiene and toileting activities including transferring and lifting students
check_circleSanitize classroom and equipment using approved materials
check_circleAssist students during activities including recess, lunch, and bus transportation

Requirements

verifiedCurrent Illinois Professional Educator License
verifiedCurrent Illinois Substitute Teaching License
verifiedCurrent Illinois Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofional Educator
verifiedAssociate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
verified60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution
verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalent plus 480 or higher on ETS Parapro test
verifiedHigh school diploma or equivalent plus 4 or higher on ACT WorkKeys Applied Math and Workplace Documents
verifiedMinimum Age 19 years old
verifiedProof of High School Graduation
verifiedCurrent Illinois Short Term Approval (STA) - Paraprofessional

Nice to Have

Completion of a 40-hour training program for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) through Relias Academy.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleMedical Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield HM0 80/20 cost sharecheck_circleDental Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield 80/20 cost sharecheck_circleVision Insurance: VSP 100% employee cost

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Computer, Child Guidance Principles, Behavior Management, Positive Reinforcement, Classroom Procedures, Record Keeping, Behavior Modification, Hygiene, Toileting, Transferring.

Education: Associate degree or higher required for Educator License with Stipulations; High school diploma or equivalent required for Short Term Approval or Paraprofessional License.

Frequently asked questions about Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200

What does a Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200 do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200 will assist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction; reinforce information and instructions following a lesson; work with students individually or in small groups in academic studies and life skills; and implement behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students.

What are the requirements for this Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School role?expand_more

CUSD 200 is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Current Illinois Professional Educator License; Current Illinois Substitute Teaching License; Current Illinois Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofional Educator; Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution; 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution; and High school diploma or equivalent plus 480 or higher on ETS Parapro test.

Where is the Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School role at CUSD 200 located?expand_more

Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200 is based in Planifyr. This is a on-site role.

Is this Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

CUSD 200 has listed this Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School role?expand_more

Candidates for Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200 should have entry level.

What skills do you need for the Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School role at CUSD 200?expand_more

Key skills for Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200 include Computer; Child Guidance Principles; Behavior Management; Positive Reinforcement; Classroom Procedures; Record Keeping; Behavior Modification; and Hygiene.

What education is required for Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Associate degree or higher required for Educator License with Stipulations; and High school diploma or equivalent required for Short Term Approval or Paraprofessional License.

What category does the Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School role belong to?expand_more

Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School at CUSD 200 is part of the teaching job category on Recrutus.

About CUSD 200

District Website

Browse more roles: All CUSD 200 jobs, teaching jobs on Recrutus.

Special Education Teaching Assistant - Elementary School