K-8 STEAM/Makerspace Enrichment Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools is seeking a K-8 STEAM/Makerspace Enrichment Teacher in Chicago, Illinois. The position reports to the Principal, is regular full-time, and has a start date of October 2026. The starting salary for certified teachers is $70,000. Distinctive teachers cultivate a love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and the belief that all students can achieve. Teachers focus on engaging instruction, opportunities to apply learned content, and lesson planning aligned to grade-level standards and 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, maintain ongoing communication with students and families, and develop through cycles of practice and feedback. The role includes implementing the Distinctive Schools model, delivering rigorous and student-centered instruction, assessing and monitoring student progress, maintaining instructional materials and records, and contributing to a welcoming classroom culture. The teacher also participates in professional development, coaching, collaboration, and other duties assigned by the Principal.

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 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.
The job generally requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing.

Responsibilities

Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making and believe all students can learn and achieve.
Contribute to the equity work of the campus and network, engaging in culturally responsive decision making.
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 frequent opportunities for students to work on grade-appropriate assignments using core curriculum, resources, and strategies.
Deliver strong instruction that engages students and places the cognitive work on them.
Use core instructional tools to design, prepare, and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards and rigorous learning experiences.
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 progress-monitoring data to design appropriate responses and adjust instruction to support mastery of grade-level standards.
Assess students daily, weekly, and at the end of units, and analyze assessment data through campus and network-wide systems.
Participate in coaching, mentoring, required professional development, and meetings.
Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom that provides students with belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
Manage classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families, and collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement.
Use a restorative justice approach to discipline and behavior management in alignment with campus and network practices.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal.