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 9-11 as we grow toward 9-12 – we launched this new school in Fall 2019 and will reach 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. 

Postsecondary Results

As we prepare our students for school and careers post-high school, our main strategies focus on exploring identity, considering different long-term options, and ‘practicing’ independent decision-making. We host regular in-person meetings with families, and through Seminar classes we focus on postsecondary planning. We link students to local professionals, and organize college and career visits and summer experiences. All Intrinsic seniors have a strong postsecondary plan – in place by May 1 of each year. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborates with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs for each student assigned.
• Implements an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and shows written evidence of preparation as required
• Plans and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Works cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
• Conducts assessment of student learning styles and uses results to plan for instructional activities.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
• Uses technology in teaching/learning process
• Conducts ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing
• Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsors outside activities approved by campus principal
• Creates classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students. 
• Manages student behavior and administers discipline. 
• Consults with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP. 
• Consults district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students. 
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. 
• Assists in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials as required. 
• Establishes and maintains open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers. 
• Maintains a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members. 
• Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participates in staff development activities to improve job-related skills. 
• Keeps informed of and complies with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers. 
• Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required. 
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities/Education

• Proven experience as a Special Education Teacher or relevant role
• Strong knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies
• Experience working with children with a wide range of disabilities
• Ability to create IEPs
• A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Valid state special education certificate
• BS in Special Education; MS is a plus
• Valid LBS1 license required

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.