Logo
Distinctive Schools of IL

Special Education Teacher

Distinctive Schools of IL, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Title:

Special Education TeacherLocation:

Chicago, ILReports To:

PrincipalSalary:

Starting Salary $65,390, commensurate with experienceEmployee Type:

Regular Full TimeStart Date:

September 2024The 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 OverviewSpecial 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 teacher’s 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.ResponsibilitiesCultureMaintain a student-centered perspective in decision makingBelieve that all students can learn and can achieve great thingsContribute to the equity work of the campus and network and engage in culturally responsive decision makingBuild and foster a culture of belonging through positive and strong relationships with students, families, and staffCultivate a strengths-based, equity focused mindsetFoster positive climate and cultureServe as a positive role modelProfessional ResponsibilitiesMaintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, families, and community membersUse effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearlyMaintain positive relationships with students, parents and colleaguesMaintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and developmentProfessional Commitment: has good attendance and regularly participates in all staff, department, and committee meetings in addition to other school/district eventsPlan and supervise assignments for paraprofessionals, volunteers, and student teachers, and make written evaluation as requiredInform families regarding student progress, the instructional program, and other school issuesComplete and update compliance related Special Education tasks in accordance with state and federal mandatesClassroom Management and OrganizationWork closely with team members and families to best meet the needs of studentsSupport classroom procedures for transitions, handling of supplies, and performance of non-instructional dutiesSupport student behavior, ensuring standards of conduct are clear and monitored appropriatelyInstructional StrategiesServe as primary instructor for students with identified learning needs in a variety of settingsDevelop lessons that address students' academic, interpersonal, social, and emotional needsProvide research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP)Develop and implement annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for studentsMake collaboration a priority with members of the IEP teamMonitor progress to ensure all students are demonstrating high rates of growthDemonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse social-emotional, cultural, economic and ability backgroundsRequirements

(minimum)Education:

Bachelor's DegreeQualificationsValid 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.Benefits:25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)12 weeks family paid leaveComprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)403b match

Fully match up to 3%50% match up to 5%

Professional development including tuition reimbursementGym and wellness discountsAnd moreDescription Disclaimer:

Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.EEO:

Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191.

#J-18808-Ljbffr