Middle School Learning Specialist Long-Term Substitute

Catherine Cook School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Catherine Cook School seeks a Long Term Substitute Middle School Learning Specialist to provide individualized and small-group literacy support for grades 5 and 6. You will work with teachers to implement accommodations and contribute to DEI/Wellness initiatives, fostering an inclusive, supportive classroom.

You will coordinate with SSS Team, manage a case load, and help students access rigorous ideas while building confidence and independence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in learning disabilities, specialist education, or related field.
• Experience in learning disabilities or special education required.
• Background in literacy instruction for grades 5–8 and supporting diverse learners.

Responsibilities

• Analyze psycho-educational evaluations to create individualized learning plans.
• Provide push-in literacy and small group instruction for identified students.
• Collaborate with teachers to differentiate instruction and accommodations.

Skills

Literacy instruction

Student support

Communication

Education

Master's Degree in Learning Disabilities / Specialist Education

Tools

Google Suite

Outlook

Job description

Catherine Cook School is a vibrant and inclusive learning community where curiosity, connection, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to developing creative, collaborative problem solvers who tackle global challenges from multiple perspectives. Our talented faculty and staff help students from preschool through 8th gradebecome confident leaders and lifelong learners.

Catherine Cook School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Any questions about joining the Cook community can be directed to our Human Resources team [e-mail] .

of faculty and staff have worked at Cook for at least 5 years

Full-time

• Type: Full-Time, Temporary
• Supervisor: Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Location: Chicago, IL, on-site
• Starting Date: End of October 2026
• Ending Date: Estimated Mid-February 2027

Why consider Catherine Cook School?

Cook is a vibrant and inclusive learning community where curiosity, connection, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to developing creative, collaborative problem solvers who tackle global challenges from multiple perspectives. Our dedicated faculty and staff help students from preschool through 8th grade become empowered learners and leaders.

All Cook employees are trained and supported in incorporating wellness and belonging into their work with students and adults. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) are the cornerstones upon which we build a curriculum and community. At Cook, we commit to all community members being active learners, from our preschool students to us as adults.

We invite you to consider how Cook will benefit from having you, along with your experiences in educating and learning, as a part of our community.

How will this role contribute to the growth of the Cook community?

Catherine Cook School seeks a creative and collaborative Long Term Substitute Middle School Learning Specialist. This educator will provide individualized and small-group academic support across subject areas in grades 5 and 6, partner with teachers to implement accommodations and differentiated instructional practices, and contribute to a coordinated approach to student well‑being as part of the DEI/Wellness Team.

How will I contribute and grow personally and professionally in this role?

• Connecting with and caring for students and colleagues through weekly duties and administrative tasks
• Growing as a lifelong learner through active participation in meetings and professional development opportunities
• Applying skills as supported by training and protocols for proactive and responsive community building
• Proactively and reflectively communicating through various platforms the vision, goals, and progress of your work with both internal and external collaborators
• Growing our culture of belonging and wellness through active participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts
• Serving as an Ambassador for our Enrollment Management and Development efforts
• Employing Google and Outlook Applications for individual and team collaboration and communication

What will the ideal candidate for this role embody?

The ideal candidate is a compassionate and intellectually curious educator who believes that young adolescents thrive when they feel understood, supported, and challenged. They see learning differences as natural variations in how students process the world. They design environments where every learner can access rigorous ideas, take academic risks, and develop confidence in their own abilities.

The candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues to interpret assessment data, implement accommodations, and design instruction that honors diverse learning profiles. They will value growth over perfection, process over product, and relationships over routines. The ideal candidate approaches teaching as the craft of creating meaningful learning experiences that help students understand themselves as learners, advocate for their needs, and participate fully in the academic and social life of the community.

General Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Analyzing and interpreting psycho-educational evaluations to create individual learning plans that include evidence-based interventions
• Communicating student learning needs to faculty and families
• Screening, observing, and evaluating students for learning and/or attention supports
• Providing individualized and small group instruction in literacy to identified students
• Assisting teachers with differentiating instruction support or practices
• Participating in meetings regarding students of academic concern and assisting in determining what recommendations should be made to help students succeed
• Serving as a liaison between the home, school, and outside professionals, inclusive of managing a specific caseload and/or serving as a Case Load Manager for the Student Services Support (SSS) Team
• Training students in self-advocacy and executive function skills
• Leading and teaching MS Learning Lab Class
• Providing push-in learning support to fifth and sixth grade students with identified learning needs

Ideal candidates will possess:

• Master's Degree in Learning Disabilities, Specialist Education, or a related field
• Experience working within the field of learning disabilities or special education
• Background in Language Arts instruction within educational or specialized learning settings
• Experience building supportive relationships with students in grades 5-8
• Experience with teaching and supporting students in literacy
• Experience remediating grade-level curriculum for grades 5-6 in the areas of reading and written language
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with students, parents/guardians, faculty, and staff are essential

Catherine Cook School is an equal-opportunity employer. We recognize that skills and insights are developed through a variety of professional and lived experiences. We seek to be more representative of the communities in which we live and those we teach. We are intentionally seeking candidates who can demonstrate the core qualifications of this role through a combination of both non-traditional and traditional personal and professional experiences.

What is the salary range for this position?

In compliance with IL's Equal Pay Act, this position will be paid between $2,500 and $2,750 semi-monthly, prorated based on days worked. Salary is based on relevant education and experience. This is a temporary position and is not eligible for health, retirement, or other employee benefits. Paid leave will accrue in accordance with the Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance.

Catherine Cook School does not discriminate against qualified applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual identity, religion, age, or physical disability.