Paraprofessional

Great Lakes Academy Paraprofessional About Great Lakes Academy Great Lakes Academy (GLA) is a high-performing, single-site charter school located in South Chicago. Our mission is to prepare all of our students with the fundamental academic skills, critical thinking ability, and strength of character to excel in high school, college, and a career of their choice.

We empower all of our students with the education today that they will need to change the world tomorrow. Our staff work hard to close opportunity gaps for our scholars, and the data speaks for itself: In 2024, on the rigorous Illinois Assessment of Readiness, GLA had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in ELA and Math of all elementary schools in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and South Chicago.

Additionally, GLA scored in the top 20% of schools in the state in ELA growth and top 6% of schools in math growth. We are proud of our growth and achievement, but we have our sights set even higher for the 2025-26 school year, and we need your help to reach our goals. We are seeking a high-capacity, hungry, and humble Paraprofessional.

Job Overview A Great Lakes Academy Teacher will be part of a team of talented, committed teachers working to change the face of education on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Our Paraprofessionals support groups of students or individual students with their IEP goals at the direction of the classroom General Education and Special Education teachers.

Job Requirements A demonstrated history of professional reliability Valid Illinois Paraprofessional Educator License with Stipulations required Experience working with diverse learners in an urban school setting preferred, but not required Physical Requirements . Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity. Spending majority of day on feet (i.e. will have to supervise lunch/recess) Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

As an equal opportunity employer, Great Lakes Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law

Benefits

Tuition reimbursement available for candidates earning their PEL, LBS1, and/or ESL endorsement Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and DCA (Dependent Care Account) Lifestyle Reimbursement Account, $150 towards wellness (physical, mental/emotional, and financial) Paid STD, LTD, and life insurance Voluntary benefits include critical illness and accident insurance 403(b) and pension retirement plans 3% "pick up" contributions to pension eligible employees Staff wellness program with mental health, legal support, and financial counseling Free student breakfasts and lunches provided for staff daily Opportunities to earn additional stipends for leading after-school enrichment, sports programming, and more!