K-2 Teacher (2025-2026SY)

Distinctive Schools • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools teachers cultivate a love for learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and a belief that every student can achieve great things. The teacher focuses on engaging instruction that offers students multiple opportunities to apply learned content. The role includes individual and collaborative intellectual preparation and lesson planning aligned to grade-level standards and the core curriculum. Teachers use checks for understanding, student work, and assessments to adjust instruction, review student work, and address learning gaps. They bring strong subject-matter knowledge, participate in cycles of practice and feedback, establish classroom routines and management practices that maximize instructional time, and communicate with students and families about progress.

This position is based at Loomis Elementary in Chicago, Illinois, reports to the Principal, and is a regular full-time role for the 2025-2026 school year. The stated start date is August 2025. The salary starts at $58,682 and is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in the state of employment (Illinois or Michigan), or proof of enrollment in a teacher certification program within 30 days of employment.
• Content Area Endorsement demonstrating 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

• Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision-making and believe 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 positive climate and culture; and serve as a positive role model.
• Implement the Distinctive Schools model and provide consistent opportunities for students to work on grade-appropriate assignments using core curriculum, resources, and strategies, with frequent checks for understanding.
• Deliver strong instruction that engages students deeply and requires students to do 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 monitor progress to inform instructional responses and strategies, adjusting as needed to support mastery of grade-level standards.
• Assess students daily, weekly, and at the ends of units, and analyze assessment data through campus- and network-wide systems.
• Participate in coaching, mentoring, required professional development, and 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, and build strong relationships with students, families, and 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 and 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: fully matched up to 3% and 50% matched up to 5%.
• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement.
• Gym and wellness discounts.

What This Job Offers

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