Job Description
Title: Special Education Teacher
Location: CICS Lloyd Bond- 13300 S Langley Ave, Chicago, IL 60827
Reports To: Principal
Salary: Starting Salary $653+0, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: August 2026
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 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.
Responsibilities
Culture
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
Professional Responsibilities
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
Classroom Management and Organization
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 teacher�s response to student misbehavior is appropriate and respects the students� dignity)
Instructional Strategies
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 student�s 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
Requirements (minimum)
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
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
Location: CICS Lloyd Bond- 13300 S Langley Ave, Chicago, IL 60827
Reports To: Principal
Salary: Starting Salary $653+0, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: August 2026
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 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.
Responsibilities
Culture
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
Professional Responsibilities
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
Classroom Management and Organization
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 teacher�s response to student misbehavior is appropriate and respects the students� dignity)
Instructional Strategies
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 student�s 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
Requirements (minimum)
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
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
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Special Education Teacher (2026-2026SY) position is now open for candidates interested in the Teacher Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Teacher Jobs is a plus.
