5th Grade Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is seeking a 5th Grade Teacher (Math/Science) at Longwood Elementary in Chicago, Illinois. The teacher cultivates a love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and the belief that all students can succeed. The role focuses on engaging instruction, rigorous learning, grade-level standards, and opportunities for students to apply what they learn. Teachers prepare individually and collaboratively, use the core curriculum, and use checks for understanding, student work, and assessment data to adjust instruction and address learning gaps. Teachers are expected to have strong subject-area knowledge, participate in cycles of practice and feedback, build classroom communities with effective routines and management, and communicate with students and families about progress. The position is regular full-time and reports to the Principal. The stated starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000. The anticipated start date is August 2026. The role is based at Longwood Elementary, 1309 W. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60643, with travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Valid Professional Educator License with the Illinois State Board of Education, or proof of enrollment in a teacher certification program within 30 days of employment.
Content Area Endorsement.
Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources.
Proficiency with cloud-based software solutions, including Google Suite.
Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed.
Ability to travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.
Physical demands include occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. The job generally requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing.

Responsibilities

Maintain a student-centered perspective and believe in students’ ability to learn and achieve.
Contribute to campus and network equity work and make culturally responsive decisions.
Build a culture of belonging and positive relationships with students, families, and staff; foster a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset and positive climate.
Implement the Distinctive Schools model and provide consistent opportunities for students to complete grade-appropriate assignments using the core curriculum, resources, and strategies.
Deliver engaging instruction that places the cognitive work on students and supports rigorous learning.
Use core instructional tools to design, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons aligned with grade-level standards.
Commit to personalized, student-centered learning that integrates students’ needs, strengths, and interests.
Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate 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 using campus and network systems.
Participate in coaching, mentoring, professional development, and required meetings to improve instructional effectiveness.
Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom that promotes 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.