Apply Now: CPS Literacy Content Specialist Role in Chicago

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is actively seeking a passionate, qualified educator to fill the role of Literacy Content Specialist. Based in the vibrant Bridgeport neighborhood on the Southwest Side, this full-time, exempt position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of literacy education for over 320,000 students across 500+ schools.

If you are dedicated to advancing equity, designing impactful professional learning, and driving academic excellence, this could be your next career milestone.

Job Overview

• Position Title: Literacy Content Specialist
• Company: Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
• Location: Southwest Side – 501 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616 (Bridgeport)
• Salary Range: $90,000.00 – $106,000.00 a year
• Job Type: Full-time, Exempt (Non-Union Job Grade: SG1)
• Application Link: Apply on Indeed

Core Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Literacy Manager, the Literacy Content Specialist collaborates with a dynamic team to scale a coherent PreK-12 literacy vision across the district. Key accountabilities include:

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to curriculum, instruction, and assessment planning to boost equitable literacy outcomes for Black, Latinx, multilingual, and diverse learners.
• Instructional Guidance: Develop resources focused on core literacy practices, including abundant reading of diverse texts, extensive discussion, digital content creation, and the writing process.
• Professional Learning Design: Create and lead impactful professional development sessions for Network Chiefs, principals, Instructional Support Leaders (ISLs), and teacher leaders.
• Skyline Curriculum Support: Facilitate foundational and advanced professional learning for educators adopting Skyline (the CPS universally available curriculum) and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Cross-Office Collaboration: Partner with teams across the district to ensure the rightful presence of students with disabilities and strong pathways for multilingual learners.

Candidate Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you must meet a specific combination of educational benchmarks and instructional experience.

Required Education & Certifications

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution. (Master’s degree is preferred).
• Licensure: A valid teaching certificate issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with appropriate grade and content level endorsements. Note: Out-of-state reciprocal licenses are accepted, provided ISBE licensure is secured within 6 months of hire.
• Preferred Endorsements: LBSI (Learning Behavior Specialist I), ESL, or Bilingual endorsements are highly valued.

Required Experience

• Classroom Teaching: Minimum of five (5) years of classroom teaching experience, explicitly including English Language Arts (ELA) instruction. Experience with the Skyline ELA curriculum is a major plus.
• Teacher Leadership: Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading school teams (e.g., developing curriculum, analyzing performance data, or guiding Instructional Leadership Teams).
• Adult Learning: Minimum of three (3) years of experience creating, organizing, and facilitating professional development for adult learners.

Skills & Attributes

• Expertise in culturally and linguistically sustaining language arts pedagogy.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple strategic work streams simultaneously.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences.
• High proficiency with digital tools, specifically Google Suite.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Chicago Public Schools provides a robust, competitive benefits suite designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, prescription coverage, behavioral health support, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a wellness program.
• Financial Security: Basic life insurance, optional disability coverage, enrollment in the CPS Pension Plan, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and supplemental retirement savings options like 403(b) and 457(b) plans. CPS also offers spot pet insurance!
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off policies, including sick leave, vacation days, parental leaves, short-term disability, and observed religious holidays.

Essential Conditions of Employment

Before finalizing your application, please note the following district policy:

Chicago Residency Requirement: All standard CPS employees are required to establish and maintain residency within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their hire date. You must remain a Chicago resident throughout your employment with the district.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are ready to use your literacy expertise to empower educators and elevate student outcomes across Chicago, do not wait to apply.

How to Apply

You can view the full listing and submit your application directly via the link below. Note: You must create or log into your Indeed account before continuing to the official CPS website to complete your application.

Click here to apply for the CPS Literacy Content Specialist Position