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Acero Charter Schools

Public charter school network serving students

Special Education Apprentice

Winter 2026Posted on 10/2/2026Deadline 10/2/27
$20.49 - $21.70/hr
Internship
Chicago, IL, USA
In Person

About the job

Requirements
  • Possess a valid Illinois Paraprofessional Educator License (PARA) or equivalent.
  • Be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Demonstrate academic progress of students under your leadership and articulate the methods used to achieve those results.
  • Perform work requiring the ability to operate standard business office equipment; collect, compile, and prepare work documents; set up and maintain work files; and communicate and exchange information.
  • Stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, and walk around the classroom for 60% of the day; lift, push, or pull 15 to 20 pounds for short periods; and walk up and down stairs several times a day.
Responsibilities
  • Support curriculum, instruction, and individualized learning plans to meet individual student needs.
  • Develop positive relationships with students.
  • Develop positive relationships with families to support students and their growth.
  • Support classroom management respectfully and consistently with school-wide rules and the Acero Schools Student Code of Conduct.
  • Collaborate with instructional leaders.
  • Communicate clearly and accurately with administration, colleagues, students, parents, and the larger academic community to improve academic outcomes.
  • Maintain professionalism, leadership, and personal responsibility for daily work and attendance, personal appearance, student learning, and school success.
  • Demonstrate collegial behavior and contribute positively to the school community.
  • Support teachers in delivering high-quality instruction using proven educational models for social-emotional learning, personalized learning, and data-driven differentiated instruction in a culturally sensitive manner.
Desired Qualifications
  • 60 credit hours of higher education are preferred.

About the company

Acero Charter Schools operates a network of high-performing public charter schools in Chicago. It hires and supports teachers and staff who share its core values of achievement, community, equity, resilience, and optimism to provide quality education and empower students. The schools emphasize competitive compensation and benefits to attract strong educators and offer a structured environment with a focus on student learning and outcomes. The difference from competitors comes from its values-driven culture, strong compensation, and its status as a Chicago public charter network dedicated to equitable access to education. The goal is to educate Chicago students well and help them reach their potential by running a successful, values-based charter school system.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

N/A

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Acero still serves 6,000+ students across eight campuses in 2026-27.
  • CPS master leases now protect former Acero buildings through at least the next decade.
  • UIC-backed bilingual program expansion supports biliteracy outcomes and teacher development.

What critics are saying

  • CPS will absorb five campuses by 2026-27, shrinking Acero's independent footprint.
  • Paz and Cruz closed in 2025, eliminating two campuses and dozens of roles.
  • Enrollment declines and facility deficits already forced seven-school closure plans in 2024.

What makes Acero Charter Schools unique

  • Bilingual Brillante and 216 bilingual teachers anchor Acero's Spanish-English identity.
  • Acero serves Latino neighborhoods through tuition-free CPS-authorized campuses.
  • Parent programs and 1:1 technology differentiate Acero's family engagement model.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Short & Long-Term Disability

401(k) Retirement Plan

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 8%

1 year growth

↑ 8%

2 year growth

↑ 8%