Special Education Teacher 2026–2027 School Year | Joliet, IL | Up to $65/hour 

Ampersand Therapy is hiring dedicated Special Education Teachers for full-time positions for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year in Joliet, IL. 

As a women and therapist-founded company that began in Washington and is now proudly local to Illinois, we’re here to elevate your school-based experience. Our small, collaborative team truly understands the challenges, and joys, of working in education.

Position Details

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday 
Start Date: August 2026
Location: Joliet School District 86
Role Type: Special Education Teacher in self-contained classroom
Role Details: Two positions available, one with 3rd - 5th grade students and another with 6th - 8th grade students 
Service Area: Instructional support, IEP collaboration, progress monitoring

Your Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic support to students with IEPs in a resource setting
• Develop and implement instructional strategies tailored to individual learning goals
• Attend IEP meetings and collaborate with school teams
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of student progress
• Participate in staff meetings and school-wide initiatives

What We’re Looking For

• Valid Illinois PEL with LBS1 endorsement
• Fingerprinting and background check required before start
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Passion for inclusive education and student-centered practices
• New graduates welcome—mentorship and training provided!

Benefits & Perks (for 0.8 FTE and higher)

• Paid sick leave
• Healthcare benefits: medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) with employer match
• Reimbursement for licensing, CEUs, and other professional costs
• Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate
• W-2 employment
• General and professional liability insurance
• Referral bonuses
• No non-compete clauses
• Paid volunteer time and donation matching for charities

Why Join Ampersand Therapy?

We're not your typical staffing agency. We're a small, mission-driven team created by therapists and educators who wanted better. After working in school districts and as contractors ourselves, we built Ampersand Therapy to offer an alternative that prioritizes professional respect, genuine support, and community-driven values.

Our Values

• Equity & Inclusion: We advocate for anti-racism in schools, support inclusive practices, and partner with organizations like The Conscious Kid.
• Community Engagement: We give back—through donations, volunteer work, and support of organizations like Special Olympics, Project Canine, and The Moth.
• Environmental Responsibility: We’re committed to sustainability by minimizing waste, using digital systems, and maintaining a carbon-negative footprint.

An Inclusive Workplace

Ampersand Therapy is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate professionals of all races, identities, backgrounds, and abilities. We are committed to building an environment of belonging and professional respect.

Apply Today!

If you’re a dedicated Special Education Teacher ready to work with a mission-driven, therapist-founded company, we’d love to hear from you.