Culture Specialist

Description Great Lakes Academy Culture Specialist 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, reliable, driven, and reflective Culture Specialist . Job Overview The Culture Specialist supports instructional staff by providing direct behavioral support to students struggling to meet schoolwide and classroom expectations. This role acts as a liaison between teams to ensure consistent expectations, communication, and interventions that help all students thrive in a positive and inclusive environment. Job Responsibilities Maintains systems and structures for a positive, core value-driven culture that build student confidence and self determination Provides direct support to students with behavioral or emotional needs, implementing individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and accommodations as outlined in IEPs. Works with the administrative team to implement and maintain every detail of the school's student systems and procedures, including PBIS, discipline, transitions, homework, community celebrations, breakfast, lunch, and classroom culture so that GLA is structured and highly joyful with a focus on growth and character development. Implements behavior supports and interventions for students Assists students with de-escalation techniques, self-regulation strategies, and social-emotional learning activities. Implements and monitors individualized behavior supports and interventions for students, including those receiving special education services Maintains systems and structures for a positive, inclusive, and core value-driven culture that supports all learners, including those with behavioral or developmental needs. Maintain systems for tracking school culture and monitors, analyzes and defines action plans based on this data. Supports and conducts regular school culture audits Handles in-school disciplinary action and coordinates any additional consequences with the leadership team. Primary communication to families regarding discipline challenges during school Supports execution of calm, joyful breakfast, lunch, entry and dismissal Supports management and culture support for teachers Supports school-wide culture initiatives for students and staff Ensures all student behavioral data is up to date and analyzed weekly. Supports behavior plan creation and execution and data tracking for tier 2 and 3 students Competencies Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy's mission and playbook is non-negotiable Growth-oriented: Self-reflective, eager to accept and implement feedback Responsibility: Willingness to work hard, be flexible, and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of goals Kindness: Strong relationship builder with students, families, and other staff members Calm, authoritative presence that can quickly and positively redirect students back on task Able to drive cultural consistency, emotional consistency, and system and procedural consistency Knowledge of behavior intervention strategies, trauma-informed practices, and special education accommodations. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with special education professionals, general educators, and related service providers. Strong empathy and patience in supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral profiles. Highly organized and efficient, self-motivated Job Requirements Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy's core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable. Eligibility to work in the United States on a full-time basis Paraprofessional or Substitute Teaching License preferred, but not required. 1+ year of experience teaching or leading behavior intervention in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required. 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 Minimum $1,000 signing bonuses available for highly qualified hires 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 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! Great Lakes Academy Charter School