Manager, OSD Academic Access

Manager, OSD Academic Access

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans : academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments : student-centered, whole-child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The mission of the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is to provide high-quality and specially designed instructional support and services for all diverse learners within their least restrictive environment. We work collaboratively with several units, specifically schools and Networks to improve the academic achievement of all diverse learners by ensuring diverse learners receive meaningful and relevant access to grade-level core instruction within their neighborhood school, school of choice, or the school closest to their residence.

Job Summary :

The Manager of Academic Access plays a critical leadership role in Chicago Public Schools' efforts to ensure equitable, high-quality instruction for all students with disabilities. Reporting to the Director of Academic Access within the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), the Manager provides strategic oversight, guidance, and leadership to a team of Special Education Coordinators. This position is responsible for driving the implementation of inclusive, compliant, and impactful special education practices across networks and schools, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and instructional excellence.

The Manager of Academic Access will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Directly supervises Special Education Coordinators across assigned networks, ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery across CPS networks.
• Champions high-quality, research-based special education instruction through modeling, coaching, and knowledge dissemination.
• Ensures that Special Education Coordinators effectively support schools in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Promotes and ensures fidelity in the implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and instructional interventions.
• Leads regular team meetings and individual check-ins to monitor progress toward strategic goals and ensure alignment with district priorities.
• Develops and oversees the execution of strategic plans that advance inclusive education and instructional equity for students with disabilities districtwide.
• Aligns Special Education Coordinator efforts with broader district instructional and behavioral initiatives, ensuring cohesion and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Utilizes data and research to inform decision-making, identify trends, and proactively address challenges in special education practices.
• Monitors special education compliance data and ensures Special Education Coordinators support schools in meeting legal and policy requirements under IDEA, ADA, and CPS policy.
• Leads data-driven accountability cycles to improve IEP development, service delivery, and student outcomes.
• Supports audits, investigations, and improvement plans in response to compliance issues or concerns.
• Builds systems to promote authentic, culturally responsive engagement of families and communities in the special education process.
• Partners with advocacy organizations and community stakeholders to foster inclusive, collaborative practices across CPS.
• Collaborates with other CPS departments to support systemic alignment and innovation.
• Leads or participates in districtwide initiatives, pilot programs, and special projects that enhance support for students with disabilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Manager of Academic Access must possess the following qualifications :

Experience Required :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Conditions of Employment :