Laboratory Schools: Middle School Humanities Teacher

Department ​
 
Lab School Middle School Faculty

About the Department

​

At 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.

Job Information ​
 

Job Summary:

Humanities teachers report to the Middle School Principal, provide interdisciplinary instruction of language arts and history in the Middle School, and teach the following skills: critical thinking, reading, writing, research, and discussion. Middle School Humanities teachers are expected to attend meetings, write narrative grade reports, respond to electronic communication, and organize and supervise student activities.

Responsibilities:

• 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. 

Competencies:

• 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.

Additional Requirements ​​
 

Education, Experience, Certifications:

Education:     

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Advanced degree preferred.

• Coursework or degree that reflects multicultural content preferred.

Experience:   

• 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.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

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

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• 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.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• Professional References Contact Information (3)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility ​
 
Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

No

Pay Frequency ​
 
Monthly

Pay Range
 
Depends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours ​
 
40

Union ​
 
000- American Federation of Teachers , Local 2063

Job is Exempt
 
Yes

Drug Test Required
 
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 
No

Health Screen Required
No

Posting Date ​
 
2024-03-08

Remove from Posting On or Before ​
 
2024-09-08

Posting Statement: ​​
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.