6th-8th Grade Science Teacher; SY

Overview

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

Title: 6th-8th Grade Science Teacher (2026-27SY) | Location: Chicago IL | Reports To: Principal | Salary Range: Starting at $62,000 for licensed educators, commensurate with experience / $58,682 for license pending teachers. | Employee Type: Regular Full Time | Start Date: August 2026

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

• Culture:
  Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making;
  Believe that all students can learn and can achieve great things;
  Contribute to the equity work of the campus and network and engage in culturally responsive decision making;
  Build and foster a culture of belonging through positive and strong relationships with students, families, and staff;
  Cultivate a strengths-based, equity focused mindset;
  Foster positive climate and culture;
  Serve as a positive role model
• Preparation, Instruction and Assessment 90%:
  Implement the DS Model;
  Provide consistent opportunities for all students to work on grade-appropriate assignments using the core curriculum, resources, and strategies with frequent checks for understanding;
  Deliver strong instruction that requires cognitive lift and engages students deeply;
  Use core instructional tools to design, prepare and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards;
  Commit to student-centered, personalized learning that integrates students’ needs, strengths, and interests;
  Maintain inventory of instructional materials;
  Maintain accurate records of students’ progress;
  Analyze and use assessments to monitor progress and inform instructional adjustments;
  Assess students daily, weekly, and at ends of units and analyze data;
  Engage in coaching and mentoring opportunities;
  Participate in required professional development and meetings;
  Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal
• Classroom Culture 10%:
  Maintain an organized and welcoming environment;
  Manage classroom procedures, routines, and rituals;
  Build strong relationships with students, families and colleagues;
  Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families;
  Apply restorative justice approaches to discipline and behavior management;
  Collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree

• Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment or Proof of enrollment into a Teacher Certification program within 30 days of employment
• Content Area Endorsement (Academic expertise in related fields of study)
• Technology demands: Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources;
  Proficient with cloud based software solutions (Google Suite);
  Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed for the position
• Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration

Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 50% walking, and 40% standing.

• 25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match
• Fully match up to 3%
• 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• And more

Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably…