Laboratory Schools: Science Teacher, Physics, High School

Department ​
 
Lab School High School Faculty

About the Department

​

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provides one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life—of thought and exploration—infuses all aspects of our curriculum and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey—one of the great minds in education—established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today’s students still benefit from his vision, and today’s Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the finest employees—people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Information ​
 

Job Summary:

The Science Department is responsible for the education of students in grades 3 - 12. The Science Teacher for High School Physics is responsible for maintaining up-to-date teaching techniques to provide students with a quality educational experience in a high school science class. This includes the development and execution of introductory and/or AP-level physics curricula. Each curriculum should focus on inquiry-based experiences, multiple levels of material engagement and the use of scientific tools and technology. If needed based, on staffing, this teacher will be asked to teach some introductory-level HS chemistry. Overall workload requires the teaching of either three or four total sections of physics/chemistry, as well as an advisory section. Science teachers report to their respective Principals and are overseen by the Science Department Chair.

Teachers are expected to work a 40 hour work week and the required number of days as stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, this position will be expected to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the bargaining agreement between the University of Chicago and the Faculty Association. Anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2023. 

Responsibilities:

• Maintain up-to-date teaching techniques to provide students with a quality educational experience in a high school science class. 
• Teach multiple physics classes (introductory level or advanced level) with some built-in lab periods. This includes regular collaboration with the teacher(s) of the other sections of this course.
• Teach a chemistry class if needed based on overall department staffing. The chemistry course will be at an introductory level, though possibly accelerated.
• The curriculum should focus on inquiry-based experiences, multiple levels of material engagement, and the use of scientific tools and technology.
• Work collaboratively with other teachers in the Science Department to ensure that curricula are developmentally appropriate and work synergistically with the high school scope and sequence.
• Work in collaboration with their own faculty and interact productively with colleagues outside their faculty, other professionals, staff and administrators, and parents.

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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 the deadlines required.

Additional Requirements ​​
 

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in science, science education, or related field required.
• Advanced degree (MS and/or PhD) in physics or chemistry strongly preferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Proficient in standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/scheduling software, etc.) required.
• ​Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Strong knowledge of child development is required.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools 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 during arrival and dismissal, and 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 ​
 
2023-02-11-08:00

Remove from Posting On or Before ​
 
2023-08-11-07:00

Posting Statement: ​​
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.