HS Teacher - SPED

Meridian Charter Schools • Chicago, IL

7d • $65,316 - $88,584

About The Position

Meridian Charter Schools seeks a High School Special Education Teacher to support students’ academic progress and achievement in alignment with the school’s mission, curriculum, instructional objectives, and goals. The teacher will deliver appropriate content and skills using school-adopted curriculum and supplemental materials, plan instruction that accommodates varied learning styles and specialized needs, and foster a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, engagement, and self-motivation. The position collaborates with colleagues on school improvement, curriculum development, teaming, student support, and inclusive learning initiatives.

The role requires compliance with special education laws and protocols, accurate student records, differentiated lesson planning, assessment and feedback, and ongoing communication with students, families, colleagues, and community partners. The teacher supports inclusive and identity-affirming learning spaces, uses data and assessments to adjust instruction, and helps address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. The role also involves collaboration with staff and families, participation in professional learning and coaching, and contributions to continuous school improvement.

Requirements

• Active Professional Education License (PEL) for grades 6–12 or 9–12 and an LBS1 Endorsement.
• Bachelor’s degree in a content area or aligned content area.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, parents or guardians, staff, and community representatives.
• Substantial knowledge of subject matter, academic content, contemporary teaching and assessment practices, and classroom and behavior management techniques.
• Ability to modify instruction to meet student needs.
• A record of designing and implementing successful specialized education initiatives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with school and community leaders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapt to changing priorities, and remain flexible in instruction, assessment, and relationship building.
• Commitment to education, equity, and inclusion, including a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers.

Nice To Haves

• ELL Endorsement.
• Master’s degree in a content area or aligned content area.
• Experience writing and managing IEPs.
• Experience using Impact or similar programs for IEP management.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, Arabic and English, or Urdu and English.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a rigorous, research-based curriculum aligned with the organization’s mission and values, collaborating with the Special Education Team on diverse learning initiatives.
• Comply with federal, state, and local special education regulations and protocols, and maintain accurate records, gradebooks, attendance, reports, and other required documentation.
• Plan and share standards-aligned, differentiated lessons and instructional materials, and assign and grade classwork, assignments, projects, and assessments.
• Create inclusive, identity-affirming learning environments and demonstrate cultural competence and responsiveness.
• Use relevant technology, varied learning resources, formative and summative assessments, reassessment opportunities, and specific feedback to support and monitor student progress.
• Establish clear learning objectives, expectations, and classroom procedures; manage student behavior and instruct students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Communicate regularly with students, colleagues, parents, and guardians about student progress, attendance, conduct, intervention outcomes, and needs.
• Support students’ social and emotional needs and cultivate positive relationships using research-based methods identified by school leaders.
• Lead, mentor, and provide professional development for staff as directed by the Principal, and foster a collaborative environment focused on growth.
• Collaborate with faculty and administration on program instruction and work with teachers to implement UDL or differentiated instruction and assessment.
• Participate in department, school, network, and parent meetings; initiate appropriate conferences with families and attend school events.
• Participate in school improvement efforts, instructional coaching, professional learning, and collaboration days, and contribute to new teaching techniques and assessment approaches.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement planning
• PTO
• Support for professional growth and membership in local, state, and national educational organizations

What This Job Offers

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