Job Summary:Reporting to the Director, Academic Access the Manager, Academic Access plays a critical leadership role in Chicago Public Schools' efforts to ensure equitable, high-quality instruction for all students with disabilities. The Manager, Academic Access provides strategic oversight, guidance, and leadership to a team of Special Education Coordinators. This position is responsible for driving the implementation of inclusive, compliant, and impactful special education practices across networks and schools; fostering a culture of continuous improvement and instructional excellence. This is a full-time exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
The Manager of Academic Access will be held accountable for the following responsibilities: - Directly supervises Special Education Coordinators across assigned networks; ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery across CPS networks
- Provides clear goals, regular coaching, ongoing professional development, performance feedback, and professional growth opportunities and champions high-quality, IEPs and research-based special education instruction through modeling, coaching, and knowledge dissemination
- Ensures that Special Education Coordinators effectively support schools in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy
- Promotes and ensures fidelity in the implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and instructional interventions
- Leads regular team meetings and individual check-ins to monitor progress toward strategic goals and ensure alignment with district priorities and instructional and behavioral initiatives, ensuring cohesion and cross-departmental collaboration
- Monitors special education compliance data and ensures Special Education Coordinators support schools in meeting legal and policy requirements under IDEA, ADA, and CPS policy
- Utilizes data and research to inform decision-making, identify trends, and proactively address challenges in special education practice
- Leads data-driven accountability cycles to improve IEP development, service delivery, and student outcomes
- Collaborates with Stakeholders, Advocates, and other CPS departments to support systemic alignment and innovation
- Supports audits, investigations, and improvement plans in response to compliance issues or concerns
- Builds systems to promote authentic, culturally responsive engagement of families and communities in the special education process
- Other duties as assigned
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Manager, Academic Access must possess the following qualifications: Education Required: - Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required
- Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement (LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE) required
- General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) preferred
Experience Required: - Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in special education, including at least three (3) years in a leadership, supervisory, or district-level support role
- Demonstrated experience managing teams and leading cross-functional initiatives
- Proven track record of improving special education practices and outcomes at the school or district level
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Deep understanding of effective instructional practices for students with disabilities across a variety of educational settings
- Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws and policies, including IDEA and ADA
- Exceptional leadership, team-building, and performance management skills
- Strategic thinking with an ability to operationalize complex ideas into measurable action
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders
- Cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and high expectations for all learners
- Ability to articulate a vision, set high standards, and effectively guide schools and principals in the realization of expectations set
- Expertise in leadership development and instructional leadership. Ability to coach directors and managers toward excellence, build the capacity of content area teams, and develop meaningful and high-impact professional communities for teachers and school leaders
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentations, listening, and writing
- High levels of instructional expertise, integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions
- Effective strategic planning capabilities, including the ability to establish long-term vision and goals, and align/manage activities toward goal fulfillment
- Strong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high-performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success
- Knowledge of operations, budget/finance, management, and organizational development
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools and principals
- Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
Benefits:Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your ChoiceCPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and TomorrowWe understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional LifeCPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves
Reference the
Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overviewor the
benefits handbookfor comprehensive details.
