Locations:
Art in Motion High School- 7415 S East End Ave, Chicago, IL 60649
CICS Longwood High School- 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
CICS Longwood Elementary- 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
CICS Loomis Elementary- 9535 S Loomis St, Chicago, IL 60643
CICS Bucktown- 2235 N Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
CICS West Belden- 2245 N McVicker Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
CICS Irving Park- 3820 N Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
CICS Prairie- 11530 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
Reports To: Principal
Salary Range: Starting at $57,000, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: January 2024
The mission of Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.
Position Overview
Special Education Teachers are responsible for practices and behaviors which demonstrate necessary teaching competencies, effective classroom management, positive personal qualities, and other instructional matters. The role of the Special Education Teacher is to ensure that all students have equal instructional opportunities and to create environments in which teaching and learning are challenging, dynamic, and comprehensive. The teaching of the essential curriculum of each teacher’s discipline is grounded in the understanding that the aim of education is personal growth, the development of individual talents, abilities, and values; the acquisition of knowledge; and the pursuit of understanding.
Responsibilities
Culture
Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making
Believe that all students can learn and can achieve great things
Contribute to the equity work of the campus and network and engage in culturally responsive decision making
Build and foster a culture of belonging through positive and strong relationships with students, families, and staff
Cultivate a strengths-based, equity focused mindset
Foster positive climate and culture
Serve as a positive role model
Professional Responsibilities
Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, families, and community members
Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
Maintain positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues
Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development
Professional Commitment: has good attendance and regularly participates in all staff, department, and committee meetings in addition to other school/district events
Plan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals, volunteers, and student teachers, and make written evaluation as required
Inform families regarding student progress, the instructional program, and other school issues
Complete and update compliance related Special Education tasks in accordance with state and federal mandates
Classroom Management and Organization
Work closely with team members and families to best meet the needs to students
Support classroom procedure (classroom routines and procedures for transitions, handling of supplies, and performance of non-instructional duties occur smoothly)
Support student behavior (Standards of conduct appear to be clear to students, and the teacher monitors students’ behavior against those standards. The teacher’s response to student misbehavior is appropriate and respects the students’ dignity)
Instructional Strategies
Serve as primary instructor for students with identified learning needs in a variety of settings
Develop lessons that address students academic, interpersonal, social and emotional needs
Provide research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP)
Develop and implement annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include: present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals
Make collaboration a priority with members of the IEP team
Monitor progress to ensure all students are demonstrating high rates of growth
Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ progress and development
Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse social-emotional, cultural, economic and ability backgrounds
Requirements (minimum)
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Qualifications
Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment (IL or MI)
Valid Special Education License in state of employment (IL or MI)
Physical demands: Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing
Benefits
25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
12 weeks family paid leave
Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
403b match
Fully match up to 3%
50% match up to 5%
Professional development including tuition reimbursement
Gym and wellness discounts
And more
Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder’s responsibility.
EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.
Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191
Distinctive Schools
Sami Smith