K-8 Music Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools teachers cultivate a love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and a belief that every student can achieve. The K-8 Music Teacher focuses on engaging instruction that gives students opportunities to apply what they learn. The teacher prepares lessons aligned with grade-level standards and the core curriculum, uses checks for understanding and assessment data to adjust instruction, and reviews student work to address learning gaps. Teachers are expected to have strong subject-matter knowledge and to participate in cycles of practice and feedback to strengthen their instruction. They build classroom communities through effective routines, rituals, and management practices and maintain ongoing communication with students and families. The role includes implementing the Distinctive Schools model, providing rigorous and grade-appropriate learning experiences, maintaining instructional materials and student records, assessing and monitoring student progress, and participating in coaching, mentoring, professional development, and meetings. The teacher also creates a welcoming and organized classroom, builds relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and uses restorative approaches to discipline and behavior management. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, reports to the Principal, and is scheduled to start in October 2026. Starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Valid Professional Educator License from 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.
Ability to travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration.
Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine-finger dexterity.
Job generally requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing.

Responsibilities

Maintain a student-centered perspective and contribute to campus and network equity work through culturally responsive decision-making.
Build a culture of belonging and positive relationships with students, families, and staff; foster a positive climate and serve as a 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.
Deliver engaging instruction that places the cognitive work on students and supports deep engagement in learning.
Design, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons aligned with grade-level standards using core instructional tools.
Provide personalized, student-centered learning that incorporates students’ needs, strengths, and interests.
Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate, complete records of student progress and development.
Use assessments and student work to monitor progress, inform instructional responses, adjust strategies, and support mastery of grade-level standards.
Assess students daily, weekly, and at the ends 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 supports students’ sense of belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
Manage classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families.
Use restorative justice approaches 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 assigned by the Principal.