Special Education Teacher - 4th - 5th Grade

About CPS: We are an urban district on the rise. The support and resources we provide to our staff enables them to make the greatest difference where it’s needed most. Be a part of the change. 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.

Position Title: Diverse Learners Teacher

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.

Specialty Functions:

• A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsed in LBS1.
• Set goals for the individualized education plan that are achievable and comparable to a student's peers in accordance with the State of Illinois IEP guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to determine instructional and social needs of students that ensure success while also participating on the multidisciplinary team to promote students' wellbeing.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge, in order to select learning objectives and design coherent instruction and assessments.
• Create an environment for effective student learning and growth by establishing a respectful classroom culture with strong management of student behaviours and classroom procedures that promotes and appreciates the cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of students.
• Respond to the needs of all students by designing engaging classroom instruction with appropriately challenging questions, communication and discussion techniques, and instructionally aligned assessments.
• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound, professional judgement especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students.
• Prioritise student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline.
• Personalise student learning through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available.
• Advocate for the district’s vision and commit to our district’s 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.

Minimum Qualifications & 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.

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 the date of his/her employment with Chicago Public Schools. For certain high-needs positions, exemptions to this policy may be available. All new hires must satisfactorily complete all CPS onboarding requirements which include, but are not limited to, passing a tuberculosis test, drug test and state and federal criminal background checks. CPS is a drug and alcohol free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of any classifications protected by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois and applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex (including pregnancy discrimination), gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. Concerns or inquiries should be made to the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office Administrator at (773) 553-1013. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and related regulations concerning sex discrimination also should be referred to the CPS Equal Opportunity Compliance Office (773) 553-1195.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice. CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs: Medical Plan Options, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Behavioral Health & EAP, Employee Wellness Program.
• Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow. We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options: 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: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life. CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies: Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Vacation Days, Parental Leaves, Short-Term Disability, Religious Holidays Leaves.

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

Posting Date: Mar 12, 2026, 3:44:46 PM

Primary Location: South Side-1419 East 89th Street (Mary E Mcdowell School)

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