OSP Learning Specialist

Educators at The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW) are hired with the invitation and encouragement to be life-long learners. FXW will employ faculty who enjoy teaching, who are progressive and innovative in their craft, who love working with students, who are great colleagues, and who truly find joy in their profession.  We expect that an FXW faculty member possesses the necessary knowledge, teaching skills, character, and commitment to be productive members of the FXW community.  Additionally, the FXW teacher will adhere to the unique Catholic mission and interfaith values of FXW School.

At FXW, we aspire that each teacher is successful. To do so, an FXW teacher will do the following:   

• Utilize effective instructional strategies with students.  
• Be willing to grow in their profession.
• Create and manage the classroom in a positive manner, respecting the dignity of all. 
• Embrace the FXW Mission and Charisms.
• Complete annual goals and seek professional development opportunities. 
• Maintain a positive rapport with all members of the FXW community. 
• Fulfill routine duties and expectations in a dependable manner. 

Elementary Program Description

At The Frances Xavier Warde School, our K-3 program provides students with a rigorous

curriculum.  Due to the wide spectrum of academic development in these early years, resource support is        provided for students based on demonstrated need.  The Learning Specialist is integral

in providing support to not only students but to classroom teachers, as well.  

Primary Function

The OSP Learning Specialist responds to the needs of each child who qualifies for services by implementing individualized lessons.  This may include previewing, additional content exposure or remediation in core academic skills.  Progress monitoring towards goals, along with effective classroom teacher and parent communication are critical for success.

Key Relationships

The Learning Specialist reports to and is supervised by the Student Success Team Coordinator.  Other key relationships he/she/they is responsible in cultivating are with the Head of School, other administrators, the resource team and his/her respective classroom teachers.  

Qualifications and Requirements

A candidate should hold:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in education, preferably Special Education.
• A valid, issued State of Illinois teaching certificate Type 03, 04, or 09.
• LBS1 or LBS2 Endorsement.

A candidate will need upon hiring:

• A TB test.
• Protecting God’s Children Requirements (Background Screening, Fingerprinting, VIRTUS Training, CANTS, Code of Conduct, Mandated Reporter Training).

A candidate must demonstrate:

• The ability to establish collaborative relationships with teaching staff.
• Familiarity with ISACS criteria and standards of excellence.

What Makes a FXW Teacher Competent and Effective

Educators are hired with the expectation that they possess the necessary knowledge, teaching skills, character, and commitment to be productive members of the FXW community.  The following is a list of descriptors:

• Adheres to the unique Catholic mission and interfaith values of FXW School.
• Articulates a working knowledge of FXW’s value-centered mission and academically rigorous curriculum.
• Participates in spiritual development activities of the school community, including support for student community service projects and initiatives. 
• Models the importance of daily prayer and worship through active participation for students.
• Demonstrates a willingness to plan, encourage and participate in community building activities (religious, social and educational).

Utilizes effective instructional strategies with students

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of subject matter.
• Understands interrelationships of content areas.
• Regularly utilize formative and summative assessment to guide instruction.
• Employ technology effectively enhances teaching.
• Presents lessons and instructions in multi-modalities to address students’ various learning styles and abilities.
• Encourages students to become aware of social issues and current events appropriate to their level of understanding.

Manages the classroom in a positive manner, respecting the dignity of all

• Respects the rights of students as individuals.
• Utilizes positive reinforcement strategies.
• Mentors’ students effectively and professionally.

Completes annual goals and seeks professional development opportunities

• Demonstrates a sense of professional responsibility by keeping current with recent practice and research in education.
• Collaborates and works with administration to further yearly goals. 

Maintains a positive rapport with all members of the FXW community

• Accept feedback and work to show improvement.
• Respects the integrity of fellow staff, students, and parents by being discreet and tactful when discussing student and school related issues.
• Demonstrates flexibility and models of collegiality. 

Fulfills routine duties and expectations in a dependable manner

• Demonstrates evidence of prior planning and preparation.
• Creates lesson plans with clear student-centered objectives, incorporating the principles of backwards design, as well as the use of formative and summative assessment.
• Use instructional time efficiently.
• Evaluates student progress effectively.
• Utilizes correct and appropriate written and oral communication in conversations, reports and meetings
• Is punctual and effective in supervisory duties such as morning drop off, lunch supervision, etc. 
• Is punctual in role as teacher (7:30 AM arrival/3:30 PM dismissal).
• Willingly use and integrate technology into the classroom.

Attending parent/teacher conferences as requested by classroom teachers or on as needed basis as well as communicating with parents of third grade students and those seen individually and in small groups regularly.

• Completes TEAM forms and brings student concerns to TEAM meetings as needed
• Works under stressful conditions
• Contributes updates about student learning for classroom webpage(s)
• Supports curricular initiatives
• Implement OSP Discipline Plan
• Is punctual for, creates agenda, and leads weekly literacy teacher meetings
• Meets weekly with respective classroom teachers about student concerns, successes, and progress
• Assesses students using benchmark tools each assessment period (i.e. AIMSWeb, NWEA MAP Growth, NWEA MAP Reading Fluency)
• Orders materials yearly to help support the Student Success Team program
• Contributes to academic portions of grade level SBR (specifically completing applicable content area skills).
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and Movement:

Middle school teachers frequently stand for extended periods while teaching, and they need to be able to walk around the classroom and maneuver in tight spaces. 

• Clear Communication:

Teachers must be able to speak clearly and project their voice to be heard by students, as well as understand the speech of others. 

• Visual Acuity:

They need to be able to see details of objects at various distances, including those within a few feet and those further away. 

• Hearing:

Teachers must be able to hear sounds and distinguish between them and focus on one source of sound while ignoring others. 

• Fine Motor Skills:

Teachers may need to use their fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects. 

• Physical Stamina:

The job can be physically demanding, requiring teachers to stay active and engaged throughout the day. 

• Occasional Physical Tasks:

Teachers may need to kneel, squat, or stoop, to interact with students or access materials. 

• Adaptability:

Teachers need to be able to adapt to different classroom environments and activities, which may involve standing, sitting, or walking. 

Work Environment:

• High Social Interaction:

Middle school teachers have a high level of social interaction with students, parents, and other staff members. 

• Classroom Management:

They must be able to manage diverse student behaviors and create a positive learning environment. 

• Communication:

Teachers communicate regularly with students, parents, and colleagues via phone, email, in-person meetings, and written correspondence. 

• Conflict Situations:

Teachers may encounter conflict situations with students or parents, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills. 

• Collaboration:

Teachers work as part of a team with other educators and staff members. 

• Physical Environment:

Teachers work indoors in classrooms but may also work outdoors for physical education or sports activities. 

• Technology:

Teachers must be comfortable using technology for instruction, communication, and assessment. 

• Travel Requirements

Local travel between campuses, as necessary, to fulfill student program requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

FXW offers a competitive salary and robust benefits program, commensurate with experience and consistent with independent schools.

Expected compensation for this role includes a salary within the range of $65,699.00 – $85,617.00

Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Medical        
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Basic Life & AD&D
  • Voluntary Life & AD&D
• Voluntary Benefits
• Financial Wellness
  • FSA
  • Commuter Benefits
  • 403B Retirement Savings
• Wellbeing & Balance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Mental Health Resources

If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. FXW is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications?  We understand. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and welcome a chance for us to review your background. We are dedicated to building and maintaining a diversified workforce and considering a broad array of candidates with a variety of skills, workplace experience, and backgrounds.

Non-Discrimination Policy                                                                                                                                               

It is The Frances Xavier Warde School’s goal to attract, recruit and retain exceptional faculty and staff that are inspiring, diverse and committed to the school’s mission. We support our teachers and staff by welcoming them into an environment that encourages them to excel and by maintaining a rich benefits package that helps them to flourish and grow personally and professionally.

FXW will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy applies to student admissions and employment.

We invite you to become a part of our community and FXW makes a deliberate effort to employ faculty and staff of diverse races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Learn More

Click here (HERE) to learn more about The Frances Xavier Warde School.

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact hr@fxw.org or visit fxw.org/careers.

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position.

• A current résumé.

Mission Statement

The Frances Xavier Warde School is a Catholic elementary school in downtown Chicago that provides an excellent academic, values-oriented education to students of all ethnic, religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in a child-centered urban environment. As a keystone of its diverse community, The Frances Xavier Warde School provides need-based scholarships to thirty percent of its students.

The Frances Xavier Warde School partners with its families, nurtures faith development for its Catholic students, and engages all its students to learn about and respect other faith traditions. The Frances Xavier Warde School uses a rigorous curriculum that enables students to grow, clarify their values, and develop decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility for themselves and the world they will inherit.