Special Education Teacher- $2,500 Sign On Bonus

Distinctive Schools • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is seeking a Special Education Teacher to support its mission of helping each child become an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver. The organization is committed to social justice and expanding access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, and it promotes high expectations and a positive culture grounded in diversity, collaboration, and optimism.

The Special Education Teacher demonstrates effective teaching competencies, classroom management, positive professional qualities, and sound instructional practices. The role ensures equal instructional opportunities for students and creates challenging, dynamic, and comprehensive learning environments. Instruction is grounded in students’ personal growth, individual talents and abilities, values, knowledge, and understanding.

This is a regular, full-time, in-person position in Chicago, Illinois, reporting to the Principal. The listed start date is October 2026. Starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000. A $2,500 sign-on bonus is offered for LBS.1-certified educators.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid Professional Educator License from the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Special Education LBS.1 endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Make student-centered decisions and maintain the belief that all students can learn and achieve.
• Contribute to campus and network equity work and use culturally responsive decision-making.
• Build belonging through positive relationships with students, families, and staff; foster a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset and positive school climate; and 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, and keep 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 matters.
• 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 smooth classroom routines, transitions, and non-instructional procedures.
• Support student behavior by communicating clear standards, monitoring behavior, and responding appropriately 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 aligned with 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 support high rates of growth.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress and development.

Benefits

• $2,500 sign-on bonus for LBS.1-certified educators.
• 25 or more paid holidays, upfront sick leave, and an accrual-based personal time bank.
• 12 weeks of paid family leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) employer 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