Diverse Learning Teacher - Lake

Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high-performing college preparatory, tuition-free public elementary and middle schools with the mission of providing children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. There are 11 LEARN Schools serving 4,100 students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

About the role

The Diverse Learning Teacher maintains quality services in accordance with state/federal guidelines and ensures that instruction, modifications, etc. for students with special needs are being implemented consistently. An ideal candidate is someone who has a proven record of success and is committed to maintaining high expectations for students. Through our implementation of a Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) at all of our campuses, LEARN embraces the idea that all scholars are capable of becoming expert learners. Teachers and administrators are constantly evaluating how to best support and celebrate our diversity to benefit all scholars’ academic and social-emotional needs and create learning environments that tear down barriers.

Responsibilities

• Work to prevent, assess, identify, and support diverse learning needs in children affecting their ability to access learning and maintaining developmentally appropriate social and emotional skills in the school environment.
• Participate as an active/valued member of the Network and school-based teams (SPED, 504, MTSS) to ensure scholars with diverse learning needs are screened, identified, and evaluated appropriately to determine and implement individual plans to meet their needs.
• With support from the Network/School Case manager, ensure scholars on their caseloads are provided services as written in their plans and whole child needs are met.
• Support/coach General ed teachers, IAs, and paras on student plans and ensure supports are being provided.
• Prepare and present documents/reports within given compliance timelines, and participate in school-based problem-solving/504/IEP meetings including but not limited to eligibility, annuals, and check-in meetings.
• Request specific information from non-school agencies (e.g., clinics, hospitals, physicians, health departments, daycare centers, etc.) with signed release of information.
• Ensure 90-100% compliance related to special education, 504, and/or MTSS requirements (i.e., timelines, services) and guidelines.
• Maintain and document records of direct services, collaboration logs, and progress monitoring data as required by the Network and local authorizers.
• Maintain confidentiality as required by the Network and legislation.
• Keep abreast of research-based best practices and evaluation tools to ensure scholars are identified appropriately and receive high-quality services; provide PDs and/or share information with SEL teams and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Consistently and actively participate in school and Network meetings (e.g., DL meetings, professional development, team meetings, staff meetings).
• Serve as a liaison between the DL team and other teams, and the expert as it relates to diverse learning.
• Provide information to stakeholders about diverse learning needs and styles, maintain consistent communication with parents/team members of the scholars on the clinician’s caseload, and respond to parent and staff questions/concerns/requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of Network initiatives, programs, and policies as it relates to Student Support Services and Special Education programs for the Network and the campuses.
• Participate in the school-based Crisis Response team; participate in CPI training.

Requirements

• Professional Educator’s License (PEL) in Elementary Education or Secondary Education and LBS1 certification.
• Have a demonstrated record of living LEARN's Core Values.
• Have a persistent and intentional mindset towards the overall success of each child.

Preferred Qualifications

• You are bilingual.
• Possess 1+ year of teaching experience in special education.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Wellness Benefits: Online Mental Health Support, free on-site COVID testing.
• Paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays, including 5 days off every 23 days in a school year.
• Short and long-term disability.
• Paid life insurance.
• 403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible.
• Chicago Teachers' Pension fund or Teacher Retirement Fund.
• On-going professional development opportunities:
  • Mentor teachers and ongoing support for new teachers.
  • Coaches and coaching meetings for all teachers.
  • Weekly PDs.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption required. Teachers will be working in a busy and active environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Teacher will have to supervise all children at all times. Majority of work will be performed in a general classroom/school environment. May be asked to participate and attend organization-sponsored events and meetings, such as field trips and network professional development.

• Teachers may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or child-sized furniture.
• Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment.
• Required the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile, and prepare work documents, set-up, and maintain work files.
• Teachers will also be expected to clean and maintain classroom equipment and furniture.
• Will frequently physically move moderate distances indoors and outdoors throughout the community or building with children including climbing stairs.
• Physical demands require to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, walk around the classroom, and kneel upwards of 60% of the day.
• In addition, walking up and down stairs several times a day.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull 15 to 40 pounds for short periods of time.