Elementary School Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools teachers cultivate a love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and the belief that all students can achieve. They focus on engaging instruction and provide students with opportunities to apply learned content. Teachers prepare individually and collaboratively, creating lessons aligned to grade-level standards and the core curriculum. They use checks for understanding, student work, and assessments to adjust instruction and address learning gaps. Teachers build classroom communities with effective routines and management practices, and communicate regularly with students and families about progress. The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, reports to the Principal, and is a regular full-time position. Starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000. Distinctive Schools creates diverse, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. Its goal is to support learners in reaching their potential and becoming confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

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 for the position.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including 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 and believe that all students can learn and achieve.
Contribute to campus and network equity work and make culturally responsive decisions.
Build a culture of belonging through positive relationships with students, families, and staff; foster a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset and 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, with frequent checks for understanding.
Deliver strong instruction that keeps students deeply engaged and responsible for the cognitive work of learning.
Use core instructional tools to design, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards and rigorous learning experiences.
Commit to student-centered, personalized learning that integrates students’ needs, strengths, and interests.
Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate, complete records of student progress and development.
Analyze assessments and student progress to inform instructional responses and strategies, adjusting as needed to support mastery of grade-level standards.
Assess students daily, weekly, and at the end 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 belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
Establish classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
Build relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and communicate effectively and frequently with students and families.
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.
Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.