Middle School Science Teacher

Department ​
 
Lab School Middle School Faculty

About the Department

​

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provide 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 academics 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.

Job Information ​
 

Job Summary:

Responsible for maintaining up-to-date teaching techniques to provide middle school students with a quality educational experience in a life science class. This includes the development of and execution of middle school science curricula that focus on inquiry-based experiences, multiple levels of material engagement, and the use of scientific tools and technology. There is an emphasis on hands-on work that includes data collection, results from communication and conceptual synthesis, and individual student projects with an aim to explore the life sciences. Science teachers report to their respective Principals and to the Science Department Chair. The Science Department is responsible for the science education of students in grades 3 - 12.

*The anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2024.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for maintaining up-to-date teaching techniques to provide middle school students with a quality educational experience in a life science class. This includes the development of and execution of middle school science curricula that focus on inquiry-based experiences, multiple levels of material engagement, and the use of scientific tools and technology. 

• Teachers are expected to work collaboratively with other teachers in the Science Department, especially the other life science teacher, to ensure that curricula are developmentally appropriate and work synergistically with the science department’s scope and sequence. 

• The science teacher is also expected to work in collaboration with their own divisional and grade level faculty and interact productively with colleagues outside their faculty, other professionals, staff and administrators, and parents.

• Middle school teachers also act as advisors for a group of students by serving as a liaison between home & school, and by preparing lessons around themes such as diversity, decision-making, executive functioning skills, and social awareness.

• All teachers are expected to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and are expected to work the required days as stipulated in that agreement.

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Competencies:  

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.

• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents 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 required.

• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools 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.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

• Ability to manage stressful situations required.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.

Additional Requirements ​​
 

Education, Experience, or Certification:

Education:    

• Bachelor's and/or advanced degree in a field of science, science education, or related required. 

• Advanced degree in a field of biology, life science, or science education strongly preferred.

Experience:  

• Experience teaching life science and/or middle school science is required, preferably for a minimum of three years experience developing a life science curriculum is strongly preferred.

• Comfort level teaching middle school science required.

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Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.) required.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.

• Ability to move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property.

• When appropriate, the ability to escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.

• Ability to demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Professional References

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 ​
 
2024-04-16

Remove from Posting On or Before ​
 
2024-10-16

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.

 

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