Job Description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Instructional Supports in the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), the Coordinator will leverage expertise in special education pedagogy, compliance, and instructional leadership to drive systemic improvements. The Special Education Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring equitable, inclusive, and effective instructional services for students with disabilities across Chicago Public Schools. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Special Education Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Plan and develop ongoing coaching and support for special education teachers and paraprofessionals, school administrators, and network leaders
• Model and promote inclusive practices within and beyond the classroom
• Design and facilitate professional learning sessions focused on research-based strategies that support Effective Instruction and Conditions for Learning
• Serve as a consultant to teachers in strengthening instruction design and delivery
• Assist in the continuity of the instructional program to ensure that students with disabilities have access to grade-level instruction
• Analyze academic, functional, and behavioral data for IEP development and planning
• Develop strategic network action plans and partner with school-based teams to drive school improvement
• Support cycles of improvement at the network level
• Ensure implementation of IEPs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Support schools and networks with monitoring service delivery and instructional fidelity
• Monitor IEP development across the network to ensure compliance with federal and state law, state Board of Education policy and CPS policy
• Collaborate with families, advocates, and community partners in building inclusive environments
• Promote parent engagement in the IEP process
• Collaborate with district offices to implement initiatives and pilot programs
• Support the alignment of special education with broader instructional and behavioral priorities
• Implement systems of training, coaching, and supports for networks/schools to ensure they are provided with research-based, specially-designed instruction that meets the unique needs of students in their least restrictive environment
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Special Education Coordinator must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field is required
• Masters degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field strongly preferred
• PEL with Special Education endorsement (e.g., LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE) required
• General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience teaching special education
• Experience facilitating professional development and coaching strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of students with disabilities and effective instructional strategies
• Ability to influence school- and network-level practices
• Knowledge of IDEA, ADA, and relevant policies and regulations
• Expertise in instructional leadership and UDL
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and communication skills
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity and high expectations for all students

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

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