Cluster SPED Teacher (3-5)

About CPS

We are an urban district on the rise. The support and resources we provide to our staff enable them to make the greatest difference where it’s needed most. Our mission is to provide a high‑quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.

Responsibilities

• Set goals for the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that are achievable and comparable to a student's peers in accordance with Illinois IEP guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with case managers, counselors, and general‑education teachers to determine instructional and social needs of students and participate on the multidisciplinary team to promote student wellbeing.
• Utilize the CPS Framework for Teaching and a continuous‑improvement process to refine teaching practice.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge; select learning objectives and design coherent instruction and assessments.
• Create an environment for effective student learning and growth by establishing a respectful classroom culture, managing student behaviors and procedures, and appreciating cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity.
• Design engaging classroom instruction that responds to the needs of all students, using appropriately challenging questions, communication and discussion techniques, and instructionally aligned assessments.
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and sound professional judgment in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students.
• Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school‑wide management and discipline systems.
• Personalize student learning through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources.
• Advocate for the district’s vision and commit to equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
• Completion of the CPS online application and teaching profile at cps.edu/teach.
• A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsed for the role (see isbe.net/licensure for details).
• Physical Requirements – Light work: exert up to 20 lb occasionally, up to 10 lb frequently, or a negligible amount constantly.
• Employment Expectations – Must be a resident of the City of Chicago or willing to become a resident within six months of hire (exemptions may apply for certain high‑needs positions).
• All new hires must satisfactorily complete CPS onboarding requirements, including tuberculosis testing, drug testing, and state and federal criminal background checks.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Medical plan options, pharmacy, dental, vision, behavioral health & Employee Assistance Program, employee wellness program.
• Financial Security: Basic life insurance, life and disability insurance, pension plans, supplemental retirement plans (403(b) and 457(b)), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), Spot pet insurance.
• Work‑Life Balance: Paid leave, sick leave, vacation days, parental leaves, short‑term disability, religious holidays leaves.
• Reference the Chicago Public Schools Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for full details.

Pay

Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39