6th-8th Grade Social Studies Teacher (2026-27SY)

Distinctive Schools • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is seeking a 6th-8th Grade Social Studies Teacher for the 2026-27 school year in Chicago, Illinois. The teacher cultivates students’ love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and the belief that all students can achieve. They deliver engaging, rigorous instruction that gives students opportunities to apply what they learn and aligns lesson plans with grade-level standards and the core curriculum. Teachers use checks for understanding, student work, and assessments to adjust instruction and address learning gaps. They build classroom communities with effective routines and management practices and communicate regularly with students and families about progress.

The role includes implementing the Distinctive Schools instructional model, preparing and delivering standards-aligned lessons, monitoring and analyzing student progress, and participating in coaching, mentoring, professional development, and meetings. Teachers also contribute to campus and network equity work, promote belonging, use restorative approaches to behavior management, and collaborate with colleagues to support student growth. The position reports to the Principal. The stated starting salary is $62,000 for licensed educators, commensurate with experience, or $58,682 for teachers with a pending license. The start date is August 2026.

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 or 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 meet the physical demands described: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making and believe that all students can learn and achieve.
• 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 positive climate and serve as a role model.
• Implement the Distinctive Schools instructional model and provide consistent opportunities for students to work on grade-appropriate assignments using 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 design and deliver dynamic lessons aligned with grade-level standards.
• Provide personalized, student-centered learning that incorporates students’ needs, strengths, and interests.
• Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate, complete student progress and development records.
• Assess students daily, weekly, and at the ends of units; analyze assessment data and use it to adjust instruction and support mastery of grade-level standards.
• 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.
• Manage classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
• Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families about progress.
• Use restorative justice approaches to discipline and behavior management in accordance with campus and network practices.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Principal.
• Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.

Benefits

• 25+ paid holidays and 10 days of PTO annually, in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions.
• 12 weeks of paid family leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 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