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About Great Lakes Academy
Great Lakes Academy (GLA) is a high-performing, single-site charter school located in South Chicago. Our mission is to prepare all of our students with the fundamental academic skills, critical thinking ability, and strength of character to excel in high school, college, and a career of their choice. We empower all of our students with the education today that they will need to change the world tomorrow.
Our staff work hard to close opportunity gaps for our scholars, and the data speaks for itself: In 2023, on the rigorous Illinois Assessment of Readiness, GLA had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in ELA and Math of all elementary schools in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and South Chicago.
We are proud of our growth and achievement, but we have our sights set even higher for the 2024-25 school year, and we need your help to reach our goals. We are seeking high-capacity, hungry, and humble Special Education Teachers. Our LBS1 Teachers receive a $5,000 stipend in addition to their annual salary. For out-of-state candidates, we are able to provide up to $3,000 for relocation in the form of reimbursable expenses.
Please note: Specific 2024-25 staffing needs on the Special Education Team are still TBD, but we are beginning our interview process early to find the best teachers for our scholars.
Job Overview
A Great Lakes Academy Teacher will be part of a team of talented, committed teachers working to change the face of education on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Our Teachers take responsibility for the high academic achievement and character development of every child in their classrooms. Our LBS1 Teachers support a caseload of scholars either in our Lower School grades, K-4, or in our Middle School grades, 5-8.
Job Responsibilities
- Internalize and deliver lesson plans that are rigorous, relevant, and engaging, setting students up for success in high school, college, and beyond
- Lead a safe, structured, supportive classroom culture by building relationships with students, leveraging systems & routines, and consistently implementing GLA’s code of conduct
- Use academic data to inform whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction and to drive student growth and achievement
- Maintains compliance with all IEP and 504 plans. Ensures compliance for caseload in general education settings.
- Meets all compliance requirements and reporting deadlines for case management of 504s and IEPs.
- Establish relationships with students’ families, communicating frequently and partnering in student success
- Consistently model the Great Lakes Academy BE GREAT virtues: Gratitude, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, and Truthfulness
- Collaborate with all staff members across team, grade level and subject area
- Actively participate in weekly 1:1 coaching and regular professional development (PD), including our three-week summer PD in August
Competencies
- Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable
- Humility: Self-reflective with a growth mindset and ability to accept and implement feedback
- Reliability: Willingness to work hard, be flexible, and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of goals
- Kindness: Strong relationship builder with students, families, and other staff members
- Mastery of and enthusiasm for your academic subject
- Willingness to place student achievement as highest goal
- Committed to serving students of color on the South Side of Chicago
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Professional Educator License with LBS1 endorsement is required
- Teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required
- Eligibility to work in the United States on a full-time basis
As an equal opportunity employer, Great Lakes Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law
