Bilingual Spanish Special Education Teacher

Distinctive Schools • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is an educational practice leader committed to social justice and expanding access and achievement in historically marginalized communities. Its mission is to help each child become an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver through high expectations and a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.

The Bilingual Special Education Teacher demonstrates effective teaching competencies, classroom management, positive personal qualities, and sound instructional practices. The teacher ensures equal instructional opportunities for all students and creates challenging, dynamic, and comprehensive learning environments. Instruction is grounded in supporting students’ personal growth, individual talents, abilities, and values, as well as their acquisition of knowledge and pursuit of understanding.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in the state of employment (Illinois or Michigan).
• Valid Special Education License in the state of employment (Illinois or Michigan).

Responsibilities

• Maintain a student-centered perspective and believe that all students can learn and achieve.
• Contribute to campus and network equity work and engage in culturally responsive decision-making.
• Build a culture of belonging through strong, positive relationships with students, families, and staff; foster a positive climate and serve as a role model.
• Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, families, and community members, and communicate information accurately and clearly.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress and development.
• Attend regularly and participate in staff, department, and committee meetings and other school or district events.
• Plan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals, volunteers, and student teachers, and provide written evaluations when required.
• Inform families about student progress, the instructional program, and other school issues.
• Complete and update special education compliance tasks in accordance with state and federal mandates.
• Collaborate with team members and families to meet students’ needs and support effective classroom routines, transitions, and procedures.
• Support student behavior by communicating clear standards, monitoring behavior, and responding appropriately while respecting students’ dignity.
• Serve as the primary instructor for students with identified learning needs in a variety of settings.
• Develop lessons addressing students’ academic, interpersonal, social, and emotional needs.
• Provide research-based specialized instruction addressing the goals and objectives in each student’s IEP.
• Develop and implement annual IEPs, including present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and required special education and related services.
• Prioritize collaboration with IEP team members and monitor student progress to support high rates of growth.
• Work effectively with students from diverse social-emotional, cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.

Benefits

• 25 or more paid holidays and 10 days of PTO annually, in addition to summer break for educators and campus positions.
• 12 weeks of paid family leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare.
• 403(b) match: 100% match up to 3% and 50% match up to 5%.
• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement.
• Gym and wellness discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level