Special Education Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is seeking a Special Education Teacher for CICS Longwood Elementary in Chicago, Illinois. The organization’s mission 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. Special Education Teachers demonstrate effective teaching competencies, classroom management, positive personal qualities, and sound instructional practices. They ensure students have equal instructional opportunities and create challenging, dynamic, and comprehensive learning environments. Instruction is grounded in supporting personal growth, individual talents and values, knowledge acquisition, and understanding. The teacher serves as the primary instructor for students with identified learning needs in a variety of settings; develops and delivers specialized instruction and lessons; and creates and implements student IEPs. The role also involves collaboration with students’ families and IEP teams, monitoring student progress, maintaining records and compliance tasks, and contributing to a positive, inclusive school culture. This is a regular full-time position reporting to the Principal. The start date is November 2026. Starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Valid Professional Educator License from the Illinois State Board of Education with a Special Education LBS.1 Endorsement.

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; cultivate a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset; and foster a positive climate and culture.
Serve as a positive role model.
Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, families, and community members, and communicate information accurately and clearly.
Maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Maintain accurate and complete records of students’ 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 as 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.
Work closely with team members and families to meet students’ needs.
Support classroom routines, transitions, supplies, and non-instructional procedures.
Support student behavior by communicating and monitoring clear standards of conduct and responding appropriately to misbehavior while respecting student 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 members of the IEP team.
Monitor student progress to ensure students demonstrate high rates of growth.