SPED Teacher

About the role

Under the supervision of the school principal, teachers are responsible for the instruction, progress, tracking, and discipline of all students in assigned classes, and perform other duties as assigned and required.

This position requires a valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsed in LBS1. The Diverse Learners Teacher sets goals for individualized education plans (IEPs) that are achievable and comparable to a student's peers in accordance with State of Illinois IEP guidelines. They work collaboratively with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to determine instructional and social needs of students, ensuring success while also participating on the multidisciplinary team to promote students' wellbeing.

Responsibilities

Within the context of the CPS Framework for Teaching, all teachers should utilize a continuous improvement process that refines teaching practice. Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrating a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge to select learning objectives and design coherent instruction and assessments.
• Creating an environment for effective student learning and growth by establishing a respectful classroom culture with strong management of student behaviors and classroom procedures that promotes and appreciates cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity.
• Responding to the needs of all students by designing engaging classroom instruction with appropriately challenging questions, communication and discussion techniques, and instructionally aligned assessments.
• Exhibiting excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercising sound, professional judgment, especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students.
• Prioritizing student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school-wide systems of management and discipline.
• Personalizing student learning through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available.
• Advocating for the district’s vision and committing to common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
• 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, with the appropriate endorsement(s) for the role (LBS1).

Physical Requirements

Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Employment Expectations

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), an employee must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago or be willing to become a resident within six months of employment. All new hires must satisfactorily complete CPS onboarding requirements, including passing a tuberculosis test, drug test, and state and federal criminal background checks.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive health coverage options for employees and eligible dependents, including medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, behavioral health, and EAP.
• 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.

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Pay

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

Schedule

Primary Location: Southwest Side - 2701 South Shields Avenue (James Ward School).