K-8 Dance Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools seeks a K-8 Dance Teacher to cultivate students’ love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and engaging instruction. Teachers prepare standards-aligned lessons using the core curriculum, provide opportunities for students to apply what they learn, and use checks for understanding, student work, and assessments to adjust instruction and address learning gaps. Teachers build classroom communities with strong routines and maintain ongoing communication with students and families. The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, reports to the Principal, and is scheduled to start in October 2026. The starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000.

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 described physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. The job generally requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing.

Responsibilities

Maintain a student-centered perspective and believe that all students can learn and achieve great things.
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 positive climate and serve as a role model.
Implement the Distinctive Schools model and provide regular opportunities for students to complete grade-appropriate assignments using core curriculum, resources, and strategies, with frequent checks for understanding.
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 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 data to plan appropriate instructional responses and adjust support as needed for mastery of grade-level standards.
Assess students daily, weekly, and at the end of units; analyze assessment data through campus and network systems.
Participate in coaching, mentoring, professional development, and required meetings to improve instructional effectiveness.
Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom environment that promotes belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
Establish classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
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.
Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal.