Music Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is hiring a 4th-8th Grade Music Teacher at Longwood Elementary in Chicago, Illinois. The teacher cultivates a love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and engaging instruction that gives students opportunities to apply what they learn. The role requires deep individual and team preparation, standards-aligned lesson planning using the core curriculum, and use of checks for understanding, student work, and assessments to adjust instruction and address learning gaps. Strong music content knowledge is needed to recognize and respond to students’ content-related needs. The teacher develops students’ interest and ability in creative musical expression, aesthetic understanding and appreciation, and musical talent. Teachers grow through cycles of practice and feedback and build classroom communities with routines, rituals, and management practices that maximize instructional time. The teacher communicates regularly with students and families about progress and supports students’ social, emotional, and academic development. The position includes implementing the Distinctive Schools model, contributing to campus and network equity work, and collaborating with colleagues. The role reports to the Principal and starts 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 Music.
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 for the position.
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 all students can learn and achieve great things.
Contribute to campus and network equity work and engage in culturally responsive decision making.
Build a culture of belonging through strong, positive relationships with students, families, and staff; foster a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset and a positive climate.
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, with frequent checks for understanding.
Deliver engaging instruction that places the cognitive work on students and supports deep engagement in learning.
Use core instructional tools to design and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards and rigorous learning experiences.
Provide personalized, student-centered learning that integrates students’ needs, strengths, and interests.
Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate, complete student progress and development records.
Analyze assessments and student progress to inform instructional responses and adjustments that support mastery of grade-level standards.
Assess students daily, weekly, and at the end of units, and analyze assessment data through campus and network systems.
Participate in coaching, mentoring, required professional development, and meetings to improve instructional effectiveness.
Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom environment that supports belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
Establish classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families about progress.
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 as assigned by the Principal.