5th and 6th Grade Mathematics Teacher

Bennett Day School Inc•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Bennett Day School is seeking a full-time lead teacher with expertise in Mathematics for its Middle and Upper School faculty. This progressive independent day school emphasizes adolescent learning and innovative teaching methods. The role involves implementing the core characteristics of a progressive, project- and competency-based middle school. The teacher will report to the Director of Middle and Upper School and will lead a cohort of students as an advisor, mentoring a group of ten through all aspects of their school experience. Responsibilities include designing and teaching courses in both Project-Based Learning environments and traditional seminars, based on student needs and the teacher's expertise. The position also involves mentoring new colleagues as the school grows. As part of a growing school, the teacher will be involved in major pedagogical and curricular decisions. They will develop pedagogical and design skills in a grade-free environment, designing and implementing a project-based curriculum. The role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues. The school fosters a collaborative environment with over 5 hours of professional development per week on Wednesdays. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive on close connections and collaboration.

Requirements

3+ years experience working with adolescents in an education setting focused on Mathematics.
Recognition that primary role is an advisor and content expertise is secondary.
Belief and/or experience in detracked math courses that implement effective differentiated instruction.
Experience teaching math courses.
Success in, or deep interest in, designing and teaching project- or problem-based learning and competency-based learning programs.
Interdisciplinary and/or team teaching experience.
Interest in/Experience working in teams.
Successful experience working as a mentor/advisor to an adolescent within an academic setting.
Interest in/Experience designing innovative and experimental curriculum in a collaborative setting.
Commitment to continual development of one’s cultural competence.
Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Nice To Haves

Comfort in a highly collaborative, team-based culture.
Experience with and enthusiasm for inquiry-driven mathematics pedagogy models.
Experience or education in, or professional passion for, multiple content areas across traditional silos.
Experience designing online learning experiences.
Interest in the Science of the Adolescent Brain/Learning Science.
Working knowledge of one additional language (desired, but not required).
Polymathness: having wide ranging interests and experience across different content silos (e.g., interested in and capable of teaching both Math and Science).
Dedication to designing innovative and nontraditional curriculum.

Responsibilities

Implement the core characteristics of a progressive, project- and competency-based middle school.
Lead a cohort of students as an advisor, mentoring a group of ten.
Design and teach courses in Project-Based Learning environments and traditional seminars.
Mentor new colleagues as the school grows.
Develop pedagogical and design skills by designing and implementing a project-based curriculum.
Develop meaningful educational relationships with students.
Collaborate constantly on pedagogy, educational design, and student support.
Learn about the major elements of the middle school and how they embody the school’s mission and vision.
Learn about the competency-based education model, especially as it relates to mathematics.
Learn about the advisory program and work with mentor teachers and school counselor to plan advisory.
Meet with the Upper and Middle School math team to coordinate on planning.
Create, in collaboration with the Middle School team, an initial design for a problem-based, inquiry driven and differentiated mathematics experience.
Plan for and meet the first group of advisees and their families.
Teach first classes as a member of the Middle School team.
Submit regular reports on student progress.
Participate in the professional development program on a weekly basis.
Teach about vision for how mathematics might further integrate into Project-Based Learning courses.
Lead conferences with families of students.
Maintain a competency assessment of each student in courses.
Attend admissions and marketing events as needed.
Write narrative assessments of students and help them develop their own learning portfolios.
Be a part of admissions events.
Attend professional development experiences to learn more about pedagogical model.
Chaperone events on an as-needed basis.
Be the content-area expert and an important voice in development in field(s) of expertise.
Continue to teach math courses in addition to possible Project-Based Learning courses.
Contribute to the interview and vetting process when/if any additional faculty is hired.
Provide input on the curriculum for the 2027-2028 school year.
Other duties as assigned.