Special Education Instructor

Special Education Instructor

Special Educators work in resource classrooms providing both push in (coteaching) and pull out (resource room) minutes to scholars in Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Typically Special Educators at Galapagos work within a specific grade band (K-4, 5-8), but this is subject to change based on the caseload from year-to-year. We are looking for educators who are open to working with scholars in all grades K-8 and are able to do case management.

Who are we looking for? Galapagos is looking for driven educators who truly believe in the ability of all children to succeed at the highest levels. Our staff works incredibly hard to deliver rigorous, individualized, data-driven and explicit instruction to our scholars. Our instructors spend a significant amount of time planning units, assessments, and lessons that align with the Common Core Standards and also meet the individual needs of each scholar in their class. We are looking for people who value growth, not perfection - but are always striving to be the absolute best. Instructors are the key to our scholars' success. We believe that there is nothing more influential to scholar performance than the quality of the classroom instructor. We are looking for instructors who are committed to learning and growing personally and professionally, as well as continually revising and improving our curriculum, assessments, and instruction as part of the Galapagos team.

Instructor Responsibilities

• Maximize time on task by ensuring that all classroom lessons and activities are directly tied to standards
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, frequent professional development, and feedback/coaching meetings
• Design and implement targeted daily whole group and small group lesson plans, as well as assessments that measure progress towards academic standards
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
• Be accountable for scholars' mastery of academic standards
• Ensure a structured, orderly, and calm classroom environment through the use of Teach Like a Champion, Calm Classroom, and Responsive Classroom techniques

Instructor Qualifications

• Drive to stay focused on scholar achievement and growth even when it is difficult
• Grit to be solution-focused and keep going until the desired results are achieved
• Growth mindset to see failures and setbacks as challenges to learn from and overcome
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Bachelor's degree is required
• Minimum of one year of teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required.
• Must have an Illinois Special Education Type 10 teaching certificate or LSBI and be willing to do case management
• Belief in and alignment with Galapagos' core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Compensation Starting salary offers are based on relevant experience, potential for growth, and overall fit. Instructors are eligible for medical and dental benefits, life insurance, flex spending plans, and paid vacation time. Certified staff members also receive matching contributions to the teacher pension fund. All staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including intensive coaching and professional development, a laptop computer, e-mail, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies. Experienced Special Educators can earn up to a $5,000 signing bonus.