SPED Teacher (4-5)

CPS; United States; On-site; USD 64,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness program

Pension plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking a Diverse Learners Teacher (SPED 4-5) for the Southwest Side of Chicago. Under the principal’s supervision, you will instruct, monitor progress, and manage discipline for students in assigned classes.

You will collaborate with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to meet diverse student needs, set IEP goals, and promote equity and inclusion in daily practice.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
• Completion of the CPS online application and teaching profile.
• A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, with endorsement(s) for the role.

Responsibilities

• Instruct, progress, track, and discipline students in assigned classes under the supervision of the principal.
• Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to determine instructional and social needs.
• Set goals for individualized education plans aligned with State of Illinois IEP guidelines.
• Create a respectful learning environment with strong classroom management and inclusive practice.
• Personalize student learning using curriculum supplements and technology.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

SPED Teacher (4-5)

Job Number:

P176055

Posting Date

: Sep 24, 2026, 5:00:00 AM

Primary Location

: Southwest Side-6450 South Lowe Avenue (Joshua D Kershaw School)
Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39

JOB DESCRIPTION ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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 performs 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:

Within the context of the CPS Framework for Teaching, all teachers should utilize a continuous improvement process that refines his or her teaching practice. Each teacher should…

• 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 behaviors 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 judgment especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students
• Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline
• Personalize 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 – information on obtaining a valid teacher license can be found at isbe.net/licensure

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 on boarding 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.

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, color, 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 [phone]. 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 [phone].

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 theChicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overviewor thebenefits handbookfor comprehensive details.