6th-8th Grade Science Teacher (2026-27SY)

Distinctive Schools • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is hiring a 6th-8th Grade Science Teacher in Chicago, Illinois, for the 2026-27 school year. The teacher reports to the Principal and starts in August 2026. The role centers on cultivating students’ love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and engaging instruction that supports all students in achieving their potential. Teachers prepare lessons aligned to grade-level standards and the core curriculum, use checks for understanding and student work to adjust instruction, and review assessment results to address learning gaps. They build classroom communities with effective routines and maintain ongoing communication with students and families. Teachers participate in cycles of practice and feedback, coaching, mentoring, professional development, and campus and network collaboration. The position is regular full-time. Starting salary is $62,000 for licensed educators, commensurate with experience, or $58,682 for teachers with a license pending.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in the state of employment, or proof of enrollment in a teacher certification program within 30 days of employment.
• Content Area Endorsement and academic expertise in related fields of study.
• 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 for the position.
• Ability to travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Make student-centered decisions and maintain the belief that 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 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.
• Deliver strong instruction that engages students and requires them to take on the cognitive work of learning.
• Use core instructional tools to prepare and deliver dynamic, rigorous lessons aligned to grade-level standards.
• Provide student-centered, personalized learning that incorporates students’ needs, strengths, and interests.
• Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate, complete records of students’ progress and development.
• Analyze assessments and student progress to design appropriate instructional responses and adjust support so students can master grade-level standards.
• Assess students daily, weekly, and at the ends of units; analyze assessment data through campus- and network-wide systems.
• Participate in coaching, mentoring, professional development, and required meetings to improve instructional effectiveness.
• Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom that provides students with belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
• Manage classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
• Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families, and build strong relationships with colleagues.
• 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.

Benefits

• 25+ paid holidays.
• 10 days of PTO annually, in addition to summer break for educators and campus positions.
• 12 weeks of paid family leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare.
• 403(b) match: 100% match up to 3% and 50% match up to 5%.
• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement.
• Gym and wellness discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level