Laboratory Schools: Middle School Humanities Teacher

Lab School Middle School FacultyAt the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.
No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.
Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

• Work in collaborative groups at departments and within grade levels.
• Attend meetings to support the advisory program, and serve as advisor to a group of Middle School students.
• Meet with counselors, learning specialists, and parents when necessary to provide the most comprehensive and inclusive approach to student needs with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and social and emotional learning.
• Teach two sections of MS Humantities.
• The anticipated start date for this position is 8/20/2024.

• Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Analytical skills required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Creativity required.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills required.
• Work independently and as part of a team required.
• Manage stressful situations required.
• Maintain confidentiality required.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and the ability to apply that knowledge in a dynamic classroom environment.
• Ability to develop healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Strong knowledge of child development required.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Coursework or degree that reflects multicultural content preferred.

• Two years of teaching experience required.
• Experience teaching in a Middle School setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with students with diverse backgrounds of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language, and nationality preferred.

• Use standard productivity software (Google Drive, calendar/schedule software, etc.) required.

• Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.
• Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property.
• When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building in an emergency situation.
• Demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Professional References Contact Information (3)

Yes
NoMonthly Depends on Qualifications40000- American Federation of Teachers , Local 2063 Yes No No No2024-03-082024-09-08