Middle School Special Education Teacher Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

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 over 4,000 students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

It is our goal to create an environment, on every campus, in which our staff members feel supported, respected, and appreciated. Our staff work together at each school and across the network to share ideas, problem solve, and innovate to move our schools and students beyond the expected. LEARN has been honored by having one of our school leaders recognized as the 2022 Principal of the Year by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, in addition to LEARN 9 Waukegan earning an Exemplary school designation by the Illinois State Board of Education. LEARN also received a $7 million dollar gift from Mackenzie Scott in honor of our positive impact on education in Chicago.

LEARN's mission remains crystal clear: to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. LEARN is currently looking for hard-working and passionate professionals that are dedicated to transforming public education.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Classroom Teacher will be responsible for daily operation for his or her classroom. The teacher is required to provide high quality instruction to all students, every day. The classroom environment is supportive and community-based. The teacher is also required to cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with student’s families, staff, and other members of the community.

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.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

As a Classroom Teacher, your critical tasks will include but not limited to:

• Effectively implementing instructional programs and strategic interventions that drive results.
• Implementing instructional activities that follow curricular guidelines and frameworks.
• Understanding how to use data to improve instruction and improve student achievement.
• Differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students with various academic and social needs.
• Providing a positive learning environment that promotes thinking; the classroom environment is supportive and community-based.
• Demonstrating effective classroom management skills that contribute to a positive learning environment.
• Collaborating with peers to enhance the instructional environment and meet school-wide goals.
• Maintaining a professional working relationship with parents.
• Cultivating ongoing relationships with student’s families, staff, and other members of the community.
• Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal.

THIS JOB IS A GREAT FIT IF:

• Have Professional Educator’s License (PEL) in Elementary or Secondary Education with Middle School endorsement.
• Have a demonstrated record of living LEARN's Core Values.

PREFERRED

• You are bilingual.
• Possess 1+ year of Teaching experience.
• Have a demonstrated track record of delivering gains in student academic achievement.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including:

• 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

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.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. 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.