Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
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 is strongly preferred
PEL with Special Education endorsement (e.g., LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE) is required
General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) is preferred
Experience Required:
Minimum of five (5) years of professional classroom teaching, case management, and/or clinician experience supporting special education is required
Experience facilitating professional development and coaching is 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
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 the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
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.
