Lead Special Education Teacher

Lead Special Education Teacher

W-2 Job Description

About Redwood:

Redwood Literacy exists so that all students with literacy struggles can access their dreams. By cultivating hope and restoring confidence, we help students dramatically improve their literacy skills regardless of socio-economic background or learning differences. We hold ourselves to a high standard of instruction and are proud to report that during the 2023-2024 school year, 100% of our students made documented norm-referenced growth as measured by DIBELS.

We offer best-in-class intervention to students virtually during their school day and after-school hours. Our bread-and-butter is twofold: We offer small group intervention, allowing us to service students at a fraction of the cost, and we use evidence-based curricula aligned with dyslexia best practices (Wilson Reading System®, Spell-Links™, Writing Our World®, Chris Woodin).

Redwood Literacy is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Special Education Teacher to join our team at Moving Everest Charter School in Chicago, IL. This full-time, salaried position ($72,500 starting) requires a licensed Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) credential in the state of Illinois and offers a unique opportunity to provide small-group interventions, support virtual learners, and ensure compliance with legal IEP requirements. With a focus on reading and math, progress monitoring, and effective classroom management, the ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, organizational skills, and a commitment to supporting students with diverse needs. Enjoy competitive benefits, four (4) days in-person and one (1)  day working from home, 32 PTO days, and the chance to work in a collaborative and mission-driven environment.

Disclaimer: Redwood will not consider any applicants who do not hold the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 credential in the state of Illinois. 

Position Overview:

Job Description: We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Lead Special Education Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with students with diverse needs and will demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills. This role requires providing in-person small-group interventions (delivering legal IEP minutes), supporting virtual learners, and maintaining compliance with special education regulations.

Title: Lead Special Education Teacher

Start Date: As soon as possible

Locations: Moving Everest Charter School (416 N Laramie Ave, Chicago, IL 60644

Position Type: W-2 salaried, starting at $70,000

Days/Hours (for the remaining 24-25 school year): 

• Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri on-site @ Moving Everest from 8:00-4:00 PM
• Wednesdays: work-from-home day

Benefits: Health (Co-Pay or HSA), Vision, and Dental through United HealthCare

Time Off: Redwood’s annual staff contracts are entitled to thirty-two (32) days of paid time off (PTO). Twenty-two (22) of these days are pre-determined based on federal holidays and/or Redwood Rest days; the remaining ten (10) personal/sick days can be requested via your Gusto Employee Account and must be approved by your direct supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

Small Group Intervention (Push-In & Pull-Out):

• Deliver direct instruction in small groups to reinforce core academic skills, focusing on reading and math and addressing specific learning goals outlined in student IEPs.

Legal IEP Minutes:

• Ensure all services outlined in students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are delivered in compliance with legal requirements.

Documentation & Progress Monitoring:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of IEP goals, curriculum-specific progress monitoring, and data collection to adjust interventions as necessary.

Classroom Management:

• Implement effective classroom management strategies tailored to the needs of all students to foster a positive and structured learning environment.

Oversee Virtual Learning Students: Monitor and support students participating in virtual learning, ensuring engagement and access to academic content while addressing individual needs.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Required: Licensed Behavior Specialist 1 (Special Education Certification) 
• Redwood will not consider applicants who do not hold this credential. 
• Extensive experience in educational case management and IEP writing, particularly in the field of special education within the state of Illinois.
• Knowledge of Illinois special education laws, regulations, and best practices.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent behavior management skills in cross-cultural settings. 
• Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trusting relationships with students who may have experienced trauma.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to think innovatively and adapt to a dynamic educational environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with students, families, instructors, and administrators.
• A deep understanding of IEP goal development, implementation, and progress monitoring.
• Familiarity with educational software and tools used for tracking and documenting IEPs and student progress.

Personal Attributes:

• Flexible, optimistic, and solution-oriented mindset with the ability to adjust to evolving student needs and educational challenges.
• Passion for working with students with diverse learning needs and a commitment to ensuring educational success.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Why Redwood?

At Redwood, we value innovation, collaboration, and a student-centered approach. This role offers an opportunity to significantly impact students' lives while working with a dedicated and supportive team. We are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and transparency. In Quarter 1 of this school year, our team of instructors gave us an average rating of 4.7/5.0 when asked about their level of satisfaction with the support they receive. If this is the sort of team you are looking ot join and are passionate about education, case management, and special education, we encourage you to apply.