History / Social Studies Teacher (Part-Time)

Davis Chicago•Chicago, IL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Davis School Chicago is hiring a part-time founding History / Social Studies Teacher for its college-preparatory high school, opening in fall 2027 in downtown Chicago. The teacher will deliver rigorous, engaging, student-centered instruction, beginning with sections of History of the Land of Israel and Ancient Societies and its Honors variant. Additional assignments may include AP Human Geography, the ninth-grade advanced-entry option, and social-science electives such as Psychology and Debate, as scheduled. The educator will build students’ historical and social-science thinking through primary sources, current scholarship, inquiry, discussion, research, analytical writing, and evidence-based argument. Instruction should include honest treatment of difficult and controversial questions, with students developing informed positions and reaching their own conclusions. The teacher will differentiate instruction, use educational technology and innovative methods, assess learning with formative and summative measures, and provide timely, meaningful feedback. The curriculum will prepare students for the school’s AP sequence, while emphasizing rich instruction rather than test-prep culture. As a founding faculty member, the teacher will help shape curriculum, establish school traditions, contribute to school culture, and collaborate across disciplines. The role also includes supporting student academic and personal development, advising and mentoring students, communicating with families, participating in scoped faculty and community activities, and creating opportunities for students to engage with history and civic life beyond the classroom. The school describes its culture as combining deep human warmth with intellectual excellence. It seeks an educator who is relational, rigorous, collaborative, entrepreneurial, comfortable with ambiguity, committed to Jewish life and community, and interested in tradition as well as innovation, technology, and AI. Being Jewish is not a requirement. Compensation is anticipated at $13,000–$18,000 per section per year, with the number of sections agreed annually. Paid leave and paid sick leave accrue as required by law; this position is not eligible for the school’s benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
3 or more years of secondary (grades 6–12) history or social-science teaching experience preferred; the posting notes that fewer years may be considered for exceptional craft.
Evidence of students who argue from sources and write like young historians.
Ability to teach source-driven, discussion-rich history and develop written and spoken reasoning from evidence.
Commitment to student-centered instruction, meaningful feedback, and visible student growth.
Ability to foster respectful, inclusive, intellectually challenging classrooms and engage honestly with difficult questions.
Being Jewish is not required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in History, Social Sciences, or Social Science Education.
Illinois Professional Educator License in high school social science.
National Board Certification.
High school (grades 9–12) teaching experience.
Experience in a college-preparatory, independent, Jewish day, or faith-based school.
Ability to teach additional subjects or courses that may be scheduled, including AP Human Geography, Psychology, or Debate.

Responsibilities

Teach assigned sections of History of the Land of Israel and Ancient Societies, including its Honors variant, and additional scheduled courses such as AP Human Geography or social-science electives.
Design and deliver engaging, standards-based lessons that develop sourcing, corroboration, historical context, and written argument from evidence.
Teach through primary sources, current scholarship, inquiry-based learning, analytical writing, discussion, research, and project-based experiences.
Lead authentic discussions and debates of controversial public issues, helping students construct informed positions and reach their own conclusions.
Prepare students for the school’s Advanced Placement history and social-science sequence through rigorous instruction.
Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and learning styles.
Use educational technology and innovative teaching methods to support student engagement and achievement.
Assess student progress through formative and summative measures, provide timely and meaningful feedback, and develop authentic assessments of growth and mastery.
Collaborate in developing a vertically aligned history and social-science curriculum.
Foster a classroom environment characterized by curiosity, respect, inclusion, and intellectual challenge.
Build strong relationships with students, serve as a trusted mentor and advisor, and support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Encourage student leadership, confidence, and participation in school life.
Contribute to school culture, programming, celebrations, community initiatives, and the school’s mission.
Create opportunities for students to engage with history and civic life beyond the classroom, beginning with debate.
Represent history and the social sciences within the school and broader community, and showcase student work through competitions, presentations, exhibitions, and public events.
Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events as appropriate to a part-time role; help moderate student clubs and activities where scope allows.
Communicate regularly with families about student progress and learning goals.
Collaborate across departments on interdisciplinary learning experiences and partner with faculty and school leadership on curriculum and student-success initiatives.