Special Education Teacher (2026-27SY)

Distinctive Schools of IL • Chicago, IL

6d • $65,390

About The Position

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 teachers 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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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 teachers response to student misbehavior is appropriate and respects the students dignity)
• 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 students 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

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time