PreK Special Education Teachers, North Lawndale, Penn Elementary

Who We Are

North Lawndale is a vibrant and historically significant neighborhood on Chicago's west side, with roots dating back to the civil rights movement and Great Migration. This community has been home to transformative leaders, cultural innovators, and generations of families who have built a strong foundation of resilience and hope. Today, North Lawndale is home to nationally and internationally recognized elementary and high schools that reflect the community's commitment to educational excellence. Organizations like the Steans Family Foundation, the North Lawndale Neighborhood Roundtable and the North Lawndale Coordinating Council exemplify the spirit of collaboration and community driven change that defines this neighborhood. We are inspired by the ongoing investments in housing, commercial development, and community centers featuring technology and arts programming which are designed to honor North Lawndale’s legacy while building toward a thriving future. 

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in more than 600 schools and employing over 40,000 people, most of them teachers. At CPS, we exist to serve students at the highest level. With this overarching commitment in mind, we have set ambitious goals to ensure that every student– every school and every neighborhood–has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life. Within the North Lawndale community, there are six (6) participating schools spanning two Networks (Network 5 and 7) serving the community, including generations of families still living and residing in the neighborhood.  The participating CPS schools are: 

• Webster Elementary, 4055 W Arthington St, Chicago, Illinois 60624
• Sumner Elementary, 4320 W 5TH Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60624
• Chalmers STEAM Elementary School, 2745 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
• William Penn Elementary, 1616 S Avers Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
• Hughes Elementary, 4247 W 15th St, Chicago, IL 60623
• Mason Math & Science Academy, 1830 S Keeler Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60623-2734

What You’ll Do

As an educator serving North Lawndale, you will have the privilege of partnering with families and community members who are deeply invested in their children's success and the neighborhood's continued growth. You will serve not only as a classroom teacher but as a vital part of a wraparound support system that extends beyond traditional school hours to meet the needs of students and families. Within the context of the CPS Framework for Teaching, our educators are expected and supported to utilize a continuous improvement process that refines their practice and enhances their effectiveness, both individually and collectively.

Under the supervision of the school principal, you will be responsible for the instruction, progress, and social-emotional development of all students in your assigned classes. This role requires flexibility to engage with students and families beyond the 7-hour school day, including after-school programming, family engagement events, and community partnerships. You will work within a small school environment (typically 180-400 students) where deep relationships are the foundation of our work. These schools carry multi-generational legacies where you may teach students whose parents and grandparents walked the same halls, creating a uniquely familial atmosphere where everyone knows each other's names and stories. As a school team, we also strive to foster a  close-knit, collegial environment where collaboration is essential to how we work.

What You’ll Own (The “What”)

Establish and Communicate High Expectations for Students

• Demonstrate a belief in students through actions and words
• Hold all students to rigorous, grade-level expectations while providing the support and scaffolding students need to meet them
• Share a commitment to excellence and opportunities for all students 
• Hold a clear mission and values orientation aligned with North Lawndale’s vision

Serve as a Relationship Builder

• Partner effectively with students, families, colleagues, and leadership (advisory committees, local boards, etc.) to support student success
• Approach all interactions with deep respect for students, parents, caregivers, and community members as valued partners
• Work collaboratively with a diverse team to design positive learning experiences for all students
• Foster a positive culture and community in the classroom and among peers

Engage in Reflective Learning

• Approach work with a growth mindset and engage in reflection about strengths and gap areas
• Remain open to coaching, feedback, and constructive dialogue as essential tools for professional growth
• Engage in learning, teaching, and responsive practices that challenge prior knowledge or beliefs
• Remain open to sharing and accepting new ideas

Lead through Cultural Responsiveness and an Equity Focus

• Lead with understanding and commit to honoring the culture, history, and assets of the North Lawndale community
• Possess a deep understanding of equity and the application of equitable practices to student success
• Model a belief  in the humanity of all of our students and families and affirm their identities and capabilities
• Commit fiercely to improving outcomes for children—specifically, underserved Black and brown children

Requirements

What You’ll Need to be Successful (The “How”)

Strong Vision Alignment and Execution

• 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 based on their unique needs, appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility.

High Quality Instructional Practice

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge in order to identify and implement learning objectives, and to design coherent instruction and assessments.
• Use data to inform instructional decisions and deliver Tier 1 instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
• Personalize student learning through individual mastery, targeted interventions, and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources.
• Engage in action research and ongoing analysis of student work to continuously refine teaching practices

Learning Environment Design and Classroom Management

• Create a welcoming, inviting, and joyful physical classroom space that is organized for learning and reflects students' identities and cultures
• Establish an environment for effective student learning and growth by building a respectful classroom culture with strong management of student behaviors and classroom procedures that promote and appreciate the cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of students.

License Requirements 

• Teachers will have successfully completed all student teaching requirements as well as all course work required to obtain the appropriate teaching certificate(s) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Teachers must possess at least one of the following valid teaching licenses issued by the Illinois State Board of Education: Professional Educator License (PEL), Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) or a Substitute License.  

Application and Residency Requirement

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools, any applicant selected through this partnership must also submit an application with the district. In addition, 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. 

Benefits

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.