Manager, Academic Access — Special Education Leadership

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan Options

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Pension Plans

403(b) and 457(b)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid time off

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools seeks a Manager of Academic Access to lead the Office for Students with Disabilities. The role oversees Special Education Coordinators, drives inclusive practices, and ensures compliance with IDEA and ADA while guiding district-wide improvement and family engagement.

The position is full-time, exempt, and pays a salary between $90,000 and $118,000 annually, with comprehensive CPS benefits and residency requirements for Chicago-based staff.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field required.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement (LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE) required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in special education, including at least three (3) years in a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervises Special Education Coordinators across assigned networks; ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery across CPS networks.
• Provides goals, coaching, professional development, and performance feedback to champion high-quality IEPs and instruction.
• Ensures support for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Leads data-driven accountability cycles to improve IEP development and student outcomes.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to support systemic alignment and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

IEP Knowledge

Data-driven

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education

Educational Leadership

PEL with Special Education endorsement

Job description

Chicago Public Schools seeks a Manager of Academic Access to lead the Office for Students with Disabilities. The role oversees Special Education Coordinators, drives inclusive practices, and ensures compliance with IDEA and ADA while guiding district-wide improvement and family engagement.

The position is full-time, exempt, and pays a salary between $90,000 and $118,000 annually, with comprehensive CPS benefits and residency requirements for Chicago-based staff.