BIOLOGY TEACHER (PART-TIME)
About The Position
Davis School Chicago is seeking a part-time Biology Teacher for its founding year, starting in fall 2027. This role is responsible for delivering engaging, rigorous, and student-centered instruction in Biology and Biology Honors, which are the foundational courses for the ninth-grade science experience. The teacher will focus on developing students' laboratory habits, scientific reasoning, and passion for the discipline, ensuring they engage with science like practicing scientists from the outset. The successful candidate will design inquiry-based, laboratory-rich learning experiences using real data and authentic questions. As a founding faculty member, this role involves shaping curriculum, establishing traditions, contributing to school culture, and collaborating across disciplines to create an integrated educational experience. The school is a proudly Jewish, college-preparatory high school located in downtown Chicago, emphasizing both deep human warmth and uncompromising intellectual excellence.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Master’s degree preferred in Biology, Biological Sciences, or Science Education.
- Illinois Professional Educator License in high school science preferred.
- National Board Certification a major plus.
- 3+ years of science teaching preferred, ideally including laboratory-based biology.
- Evidence of students doing science, not just reading about it.
- Instruction: inquiry-based, laboratory-rich biology.
- Assessment: growth students can see, feedback students can use.
- Safety: a lab that is rigorous and safe in equal measure.
- Community: science visible in the life of the school.
Nice To Haves
- College-preparatory, independent, Jewish day or faith-based school experience is a plus.
- Being Jewish is not a requirement for this role.
- Fewer years but exceptional craft is considered.
- Ability to teach mathematics in addition to science (for full-time STEM Department Chair role).
Responsibilities
- Teach sections of Biology and Biology Honors as assigned.
- Design and implement engaging, standards-based, laboratory-rich lessons that build scientific reasoning and quantitative literacy through real data collection and analysis.
- Teach in the spirit of the accomplished-practice standards for science teaching, ensuring students investigate, explore, and work with equipment and resources as similar as possible to those used by practicing scientists.
- Maintain laboratory safety standards and protocols in every session.
- Promote inquiry-based learning, laboratory research, field and data-driven investigation, and project-based experiences, including immersive and experiential approaches where they deepen mastery.
- Build toward the Advanced Placement frameworks that anchor the science sequence — AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics — and teach so that students meet or exceed them.
- Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and learning styles.
- Utilize educational technology and current life-science research to enhance student engagement and achievement.
- Assess student progress through a variety of formative and summative measures and provide timely, meaningful feedback.
- Develop authentic assessments that measure student growth and mastery.
- Collaborate in the development of a vertically aligned science curriculum that carries students up the ladder to AP Biology and advanced research.
- Foster a classroom environment characterized by curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge.
- Build strong relationships with students and serve as a trusted mentor and advisor.
- Support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Encourage student leadership, confidence, and active participation in school life.
- Contribute actively to the vibrant culture and mission of Davis School Chicago.
- Partner with colleagues to support school-wide programming, celebrations, and community initiatives.
- Help create opportunities for students to engage with the life sciences beyond the classroom, from research exposure to science competitions.
- Serve as an ambassador for science education within the school and broader community.
- Showcase student achievement through competitions, presentations, exhibitions, and public events.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as scoped for a part-time role.
- Help moderate student clubs and activities where scope allows.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with families regarding student progress and learning goals.
- Collaborate with colleagues across academic departments to develop interdisciplinary learning experiences.
- Partner with faculty and school leadership to advance school goals, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.
Benefits
- Paid leave and paid sick leave accrue as required by law.
- This position is not eligible for the school’s benefits package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
