3rd-5th Grade Teacher

Distinctive Schools of IL; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking passionate educators to inspire young minds in a diverse and inclusive environment. As a 3rd-5th Grade Teacher, you will focus on fostering a love for learning through strong relationships and high expectations. This role emphasizes engaging instruction and personalized learning, allowing students to thrive academically and socially. With a commitment to social justice and rigorous learning, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students. Join a community that values collaboration, professional growth, and the joy of teaching, where your contributions will help shape the future leaders of tomorrow.

Benefits

25+ Paid holidays

10 days PTO annually

12 weeks family paid leave

Comprehensive Healthcare

403b match

Professional development including tuition reimbursement

Gym and wellness discounts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; valid educator license or proof of enrollment in certification program.
• Strong content knowledge and ability to engage students in learning.

Responsibilities

• Implement engaging, student-centered lessons aligned with grade-level standards.
• Build strong relationships with students and families to foster a positive learning environment.

Skills

Student-Centered Instruction

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Career Opportunities with Distinctive Schools of IL

A great place to work.

Careers At Distinctive Schools of IL

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Title: 3rd-5th Grade Teacher (2025-2026SY)
Location: CICS Prairie- 11530 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
Reports To: Principal
Salary Range: Starting at $58,682, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: August 2025

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.

Position Overview

Distinctive teachers cultivate a love for learning in every student through strong relationships, high expectations, and a belief that all students can achieve great things in school and beyond. Teachers have a laser focus on instruction that engages learners and provides multiple opportunities for application of learned content. All teachers engage in individual and team deep intellectual preparation and lesson plans aligned to grade-level standards that use the core curriculum. Checks for understanding, student work, and assessments are used to make real-time and planned adjustments and deep review of student work to address gaps in instruction. Teachers have strong content knowledge in the subject-matter they teach in order to recognize, understand and respond to the content problems. At Distinctive Schools, teachers grow through cycles of practice, feedback, practice, and feedback. Teachers build classroom communities with strong routines, rituals, and management practices that maximize time for instruction. Teachers maintain effective and ongoing communication on progress with students and families.

Responsibilities

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 that students hold the cognitive lift and are deeply engaged in the learning
• Use core instructional tools to design, prepare and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards that engage students in rigorous learning experiences
• Commit to student-centered, personalized learning that puts the student in the driver’s seat and integrates their needs, strengths and interests into the learning
• Maintain inventory of all instructional materials
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development
• Analyze and use assessments that monitor progress to inform and design appropriate response/strategies, making adjustments as needed to support students in mastering grade level standards
• Assess students daily, weekly, and at the ends of units and analyze assessment data through campus and network wide systems
• Engage in coaching and mentoring opportunities to improve instructional effectiveness
• Participate in all required professional development and meetings
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal

Classroom Culture 10%

• Maintain an organized and welcoming environment that provides students with a sense of belonging, joy, hope, and safety
• Manage strong classroom procedures, routines, and rituals that maximize learning
• Build strong relationships with students, families and colleagues
• Communicate effectively and frequently with students and families
• Has a mindset of using restorative justice approach with discipline and behavior management in alignment with campus and network practices
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement

Requirements & Qualifications (minimum)

Education
Bachelor’s Degree

Qualifications

• Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment (IL or MI) 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