Special Education Teacher/ 504 Coordinator SY 25-26 - Downtown Campus

About Intrinsic Schools

Intrinsic Schools is a charter network in Chicago that is implementing a revolutionary new model for public education that prepares all students for postsecondary success and world-changing endeavors. Members of our team have the chance to make an impact with students and families by leveraging great teaching and technology to personalize education for each student.

In addition to personalized plans for academics, we help students learn agency, critical thinking and citizenship by focusing instruction and school culture on Empathy, Perseverance, Identity and Curiosity. This is our EPIC curriculum, which is baked into different parts of each school day and is a big part of what differentiates Intrinsic Schools. When we talk about EPIC and explain our approach, we give it as much weight as we do academics.

We currently run two exceptional public high schools open to all Chicago students. At our Belmont Campus, we serve students in Grades 7-12 – this is our first school, founded in 2013. At our Downtown Campus, we currently serve students in Grades 9-12 - this new school launched in Fall 2019 and reached full enrollment in Fall 2023. Both of our schools are public schools, with enrollment that is based solely on an open lottery each spring – no tuition, entrance exams or other selective criteria. Our student demographics across both schools are 90% students of color, 86% free and reduced lunch and 19% students with disabilities.

Our approach is yielding strong student outcomes and is in great demand. A snapshot of our middle and high school results: 

• Level 1+ or 1 rating from CPS every year since opening (Belmont Campus).
• Consistently rated “Well-Organized” by UChicago Impact’s 5Essentials System.
• Our mobility rate is very low – only 3% leave for other schools, compared to 11% district-wide.
• Almost one third of incoming students are siblings – families choose us multiple times.
• Our family engagement rates in the 99th percentile as we partner with families via an active Parent Advisory Council, Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee, Visioning & Design Sessions, Town Hall Meetings, and facility use and volunteer opportunities.
• Once at full enrollment, our schools are funded entirely by public dollars – i.e., with the standard per-pupil allotment, without any private fundraising.
• Rated ‘Advanced’ by Promise54 in their staff experience survey on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• 85% of Belmont Middle School students choose to stay for high school. They choose Intrinsic instead of 100s of other options including selective enrollment, magnet and private high schools. 

About the Position

We are seeking a qualified educator to serve in a dual role as a Special Education Teacher (50%) and 504 Coordinator (50%) at the high school level. This position combines direct instructional support for students with IEPs with leadership in overseeing and managing Section 504 plans, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Primary Responsibilities

Instructional (~50%)

• Provide direct instruction to students with disabilities based on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

• Adapt and modify the general education curriculum to meet students’ unique learning needs.

• Design and implement engaging lesson plans using a variety of instructional methods and materials.

• Conduct formal and informal assessments to monitor academic progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Integrate assistive technology and differentiated strategies to support diverse learners.
• Support inclusion by working closely with general education teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Create and maintain a positive, structured, and supportive classroom environment conducive to student learning and development.
• Manage classroom behavior in accordance with IEPs and school policies.

504 Coordinator (~50%)

• Manage all aspects of the Section 504 process, ensuring legal compliance with the Rehabilitation Act and ADA.
• Coordinate and lead 504 meetings, including eligibility determinations and plan development.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, counselors, and administrators to implement accommodations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date 504 documentation and records.
• Provide training and guidance to staff regarding 504 procedures, student rights, and responsibilities.
• Act as a liaison between families, school staff, and outside agencies when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Valid state teaching certification in Special Education
• LBS1 endorsement (required)
• Proven experience teaching students with disabilities and managing IEPs
• Strong knowledge of special education laws, instructional strategies, and assessment tools
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the success of all learners

Equal Opportunity Employer

Intrinsic Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Intrinsic Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Intrinsic Schools has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.