Special Education Teacher (SY 2026- 2027)-$7,500 Sign on Bonus

Perspectives Charter Schools Network is seeking Special Education Teachers for the 2026-2027 school year! To qualify for the Sign-On Bonus, candidates must be new applicants not considered for a similar role, and not currently employed by the organization in order to qualify. Candidates must also hold a Professional Educator's License with the Illinois State Board of Education. Bonus will be paid within 30 work days from the start date with signed agreement. There is a 1 year payback clause if employment ceases prior to first year anniversary.About Perspectives Charter SchoolsAt Perspectives, our A Disciplined Life education model teaches the whole child. We combine academic rigor, social emotional learning, and experiential opportunities to establish a culture of trust, curiosity and achievement. As one of the first charter schools in Illinois and founded by teachers, our mission is to provide students with a holistic, rigorous and relevant education, based on the ethical principles of A Disciplined Life, preparing them for life in a changing world and helping them further become intellectually reflective, caring and ethical people engaged in a meaningful life. With 5 schools in three campuses, the Perspectives network has served public school students in grades 6 -12 on our city's southside for over 20 years. Our scholars come from some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the country, but they graduate from high school with a plan to enroll in college or trade school, and take with them the tools to persist in college and career. The keys to our success are our dedicated, hard-working, creative, and compassionate colleagues.LOCATION: South Loop, Bronzeville, ChathamTeach Special Education at Perspectives, where we live A Disciplined Life.JOB PURPOSEAt Perspectives, we pride ourselves in the quality of supports that we give to our diverse learners. We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive education for all. Our special education teachers embody and teach our students how to live the 26 principles of A Disciplined Life (our social emotional learning culture and curriculum) while also providing high-quality, rigorous instruction that is rooted in individualized education plans across a variety of settings. We truly believe that every student is capable of greatness, and we are committed to providing a caring community of dedicated staff that meet the diverse academic, emotional, and social needs of our scholars. Our ultimate goal is that we give our diverse learners an education that will allow them to be positive change agents in their communities and lead meaningful post-secondary lives.WHAT YOU'LL DO: CORE RESPONSIBILITIESAcademic RigorExhibit strong understanding of special education best practices to ensure students have the resources and accommodations they need to meet the goals in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPS)Demonstrate excellent knowledge of specially designed instructionConstruct data driven IEPs and monitor the implementation of IEPs for students on their caseloadAttend all annual and tri-annual IEP meetings for students on caseloadCollect data to evaluate progress made on IEP goalsImplement effective progress monitoring to make instructional decisions that increase student growthMaster content area and teach students in a clear and effective manner to drive academic achievementMake meticulous plans for units and lessons that address higher-order thinking skills, and use formative assessment to constantly adjust plans based on student needsDifferentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with varying academic strengths and weaknessesPerform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the principal or other school leaderSocial Emotional & Ethical LearningEngage in ongoing collaboration between general education teachers, special education teachers, clinicians, and paraprofessionalsDemonstrate effective classroom management skills and builds a classroom culture based on the 26 principles of A Disciplined LifeBuild meaningful and professional relationships with students and familiesExperiential LearningParticipate in professional development and work collaboratively with instructional leaders to improve instructional practicesPOSITION REQUIREMENTS:Education:Highly qualified in relevant subject areas according to the Illinois State Board of Education and licensed in special education (LBS I/II).Please still apply if you are special education-certified in a different state and/or have a specific timeline for your certification in Illinois.Language Skills:Ability to read and write proficiently using the English languageAbility to interact and speak effectively in interpersonal situations and before groups of peopleExperience:Evidence of success working in an urban school environment strongly preferred but not requiredWHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:A unwavering belief in the power of inclusion and a commitment to equity in order to narrow the gap within the gap for students with disabilitiesA strong commitment to live by the 26 principles of A Disciplined Life and a belief that all students in Chicago deserve an excellent educationA willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve outstanding student outcomesStrong classroom management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate studentsA commitment to life-long learning with the desire to take advantage of professional development and coaching to constantly improveEQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE COMPETENCIESAdvocacy: Champion the growth and needs of our administrative leadership, teachers, and support staff, within a collaborative environment that takes into account the differentiated needs and goals of the entire organization to support our educational goals.Cultural competence: Effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse individuals and groups; apply positive strategies to confront social issues, including discrimination, bias and stereotype threat; and use this competence to inform teaching and learning practices.Equity-minded: The data-driven outlook and perspectives that call attention to patterns of inequity in access, outcomes and retention as institutional problems, in an effort to develop systemic strategies within the control of Perspectives that address these inequities. This includes being willing to have robust discussions about identity-based inequities.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:Majority of work will be performed in a general office/school environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings. Physical demands include the ability to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20lbs for a short period of time, walk up and down stairs several times a day, reach, bend, and constantly walk, stand, talk and hear.BENEFITS SUMMARY:Comprehensive and competitive benefits packageHealth, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off including holidaysCompany 403B plan availableCompany contribution towards the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund if eligiblePaid life insurancePaid short and long term disability.ISBE-approved professional development provider