Drama Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools seeks a 4th-8th Grade Drama Teacher for Longwood Elementary in Chicago, Illinois. The teacher cultivates students’ love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, engaging instruction, and the belief that all students can achieve. The role focuses on developing students’ creative expression through drama, building aesthetic understanding and appreciation, and discovering and developing talent in the field. Teachers prepare lessons aligned with grade-level standards and the core curriculum, use checks for understanding and assessment data to adjust instruction, and participate in cycles of practice and feedback. The teacher also builds a welcoming classroom community, maintains ongoing communication with students and families, and supports students’ social, emotional, and academic development. The position is regular full-time, reports to the Principal, and is scheduled to start in November 2026. Starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in the state of employment (Illinois).
Content-area endorsement and academic expertise in a related field of study, such as Art, Dance, Media, Music, Physical Education, or Drama.
Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources.
Proficiency with cloud-based software solutions such as Google Suite.
Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed.
Ability to travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.
Commitment to supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development.

Responsibilities

Maintain a student-centered perspective and believe that all students can learn and achieve.
Contribute to campus and network equity work and make culturally responsive decisions.
Build a culture of belonging through positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
Cultivate a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset and foster a positive climate and culture.
Serve as a positive role model.
Implement the Distinctive Schools model and provide consistent opportunities for students to work on grade-appropriate assignments using the core curriculum, resources, and strategies.
Deliver engaging instruction that places cognitive work on students and supports deep engagement in learning.
Design, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards using core instructional tools.
Provide student-centered, personalized learning that incorporates students’ needs, strengths, and interests.
Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate, complete records of student progress and development.
Use assessments to monitor progress, inform instructional responses, and adjust strategies to support mastery of grade-level standards.
Assess students daily, weekly, and at the end of units; analyze assessment data through campus and network systems.
Participate in coaching, mentoring, professional development, and required meetings.
Maintain an organized and welcoming classroom that provides a sense of belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
Establish classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families.
Use a restorative justice approach to discipline and behavior management in alignment with campus and network practices.
Collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement.
Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Principal.