Kindergarten Teacher

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools seeks a Kindergarten Teacher to cultivate students’ love of learning through strong relationships, high expectations, and engaging instruction. Teachers plan lessons aligned with grade-level standards and the core curriculum, use checks for understanding and assessment data to adjust instruction, and provide students with opportunities to apply what they learn. The role includes individual and team lesson preparation, review of student work, professional learning and feedback cycles, building an orderly and welcoming classroom community, and communicating with students and families about progress. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, reports to the Principal, and is scheduled to start in November 2026. The listed 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 stated physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. The job generally involves 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing.

Responsibilities

Maintain a student-centered perspective and believe that all students can learn and achieve.
Contribute to campus and network equity work and make culturally responsive decisions.
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 regular opportunities for students to complete grade-appropriate assignments using the core curriculum, resources, and strategies, with frequent checks for understanding.
Deliver engaging instruction that places the cognitive work on students and supports rigorous learning.
Use core instructional tools to design, prepare, and deliver lessons aligned to grade-level standards.
Integrate students’ needs, strengths, and interests into personalized learning.
Maintain an inventory of instructional materials and accurate, complete records of student progress and development.
Analyze assessments and student work to monitor progress, inform instructional responses, adjust teaching, and support mastery of grade-level standards.
Assess students daily, weekly, and at the ends of units, and analyze data through campus and network systems.
Participate in coaching, mentoring, required professional development, and meetings.
Maintain an organized, welcoming classroom that supports belonging, joy, hope, and safety.
Establish classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning.
Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families about progress.
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 assigned by the Principal.