5th Grade Reading & Writing Teacher

Glachicago; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ReNEW Schools is looking for a dedicated 5th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher for the 2026-27 school year at Great Lakes Academy in Chicago. This position emphasizes fostering high academic achievement and character development among students by delivering engaging lesson plans and building strong relationships within the classroom.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and share the commitment to educational equity. They will benefit from a growth-oriented environment and have the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow educators.

Qualifications

• Belief in alignment with Great Lakes Academy's educational philosophy.
• Teaching experience in urban settings preferred.
• Valid IL Professional Educator License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver rigorous, relevant, and engaging lesson plans.
• Lead a supportive classroom culture.
• Use data to drive student growth and achievement.
• Communicate with students' families.
• Model Great Lakes Academy virtues.
• Collaborate with staff across subjects.
• Participate in coaching and professional development.

Skills

Mastery of academic subject

Strong relationship building

Growth-oriented mindset

Commitment to educational equity

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Great Lakes Academy - 5th Grade Reading and Writing Teacher - 2026-27

About Great Lakes Academy

Great Lakes Academy (GLA) is a high-performing, single-site charter school in South Chicago. Core to our mission is equipping every student with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and strength of character needed to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.

Our teachers work relentlessly to close opportunity gaps, and the results are undeniable. On the 2024 Illinois Assessment of Readiness, GLA had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in ELA and Math among all elementary schools in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and South Chicago. We also ranked in the top 20% statewide for ELA growth and the top 6% for math growth.

As we look ahead to the 2026–27 school year, we are raising the bar even higher. We are seeking passionate, data-driven teachers who believe all students can achieve at the highest levels and are committed to doing the work to make that belief a reality.

Job Overview

A Great Lakes Academy Teacher will be part of a team of talented, committed teachers working to change the face of education on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Our Teachers take responsibility for the high academic achievement and character development of every child in their classrooms. All teachers in grades 1-8 are departmentalized. Our Reading & Writing Teachers teach reading and writing focused classes to one grade level.

Job Responsibilities

• Internalize and deliver lesson plans that are rigorous, relevant, and engaging, setting students up for success in high school, college, and beyond
• Lead a safe, structured, supportive classroom culture by building relationships with students, leveraging systems & routines, and consistently implementing GLA’s code of conduct
• Use academic data to inform whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction and to drive student growth and achievement
• Establish relationships with students’ families, communicating frequently and partnering in student success
• Consistently model the Great Lakes Academy Be GREAT virtues: Gratitude, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, and Truthfulness
• Collaborate with all staff members across team, grade level and subject area
• Actively participate in weekly 1:1 coaching and regular professional development (PD)

Competencies

• Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable
• Growth-oriented: Self-reflective with a growth mindset and ability to accept and implement feedback
• Responsible: Willingness to work hard, be flexible, followthrough, and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of achieving challenging goals
• Kindness: Strong relationship builder with students, families, and other staff members
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for your academic subject
• Willingness to place student achievement as highest goal
• Committed to educational equity and serving Black and Brown students on the South Side of Chicago

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required
• Eligibility to work in the United States on a full-time basis
• Valid IL Professional Educator License (PEL) preferred, but not required

As an equal opportunity employer, Great Lakes Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.