Financial Literacy & Wealth Building Instructor

IT TAKES A VILLAGE FAMILY OF SCHOOLS; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

It Takes A Village Leadership Academy is seeking an experienced educator to co-design and lead a year-long Financial Literacy & Wealth Building program for about 80 middle school students in grades 6–8. The successful candidate will create an engaging, project-based learning experience that helps students develop knowledge and habits to make informed financial decisions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to launch a signature program that empowers students with financial skills while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of successful teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level.
• Demonstrated ability to design engaging, student-centered instruction.
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A passion for preparing students with practical life skills and expanding educational opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Teach four middle school classes one day each week throughout the school year.
• Design and implement a year-long financial literacy curriculum aligned with the developmental needs of middle school students.
• Create engaging, project-based learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Teach concepts including budgeting, saving, banking, credit, investing, entrepreneurship, wealth building, and responsible financial decision-making.
• Develop authentic student projects, simulations, case studies, presentations, and collaborative learning experiences.
• Assess student learning through performance tasks, presentations, portfolios, and other meaningful measures of student growth.
• Coordinate a culminating showcase where students present business ideas, financial plans, investment strategies, or other capstone projects demonstrating their learning.
• Foster a positive, engaging classroom culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and student voice.
• Collaborate with school leadership to continuously strengthen and improve the program.

Skills

Curriculum design

Project-based learning

Classroom management

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Accounting, Finance or a related field

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: ITAV Leadership Academy in Bronzeville - Chicago, IL 60615, Position Type: Contractor, Salary Range: $10,000.00 - $12,000.00 Salary/year, About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV)

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) is a beacon for educating and uplifting Black children and families across Chicago. We provide a culturally responsive, social justice–centered education that empowers students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and changemakers.

At ITAV, learning is joyful and transformative, teaching is innovative, and classrooms extend far beyond four walls. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while building strong, connected communities.

Position Overview

It Takes A Village Leadership Academy is seeking an experienced educator to co-design and lead a year-long Financial Literacy & Wealth Building program for approximately 80 middle school students in grades 6–8.

The successful candidate will create an engaging, project-based learning experience that helps students develop the knowledge, confidence, and habits needed to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. Lessons should be interactive, relevant, and connected to authentic, real-world experiences.

This position offers a unique opportunity to launch and shape a signature program that empowers students with financial knowledge while preparing them for future academic, career, and entrepreneurial success.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach four middle school classes one day each week throughout the school year.
• Design and implement a year-long financial literacy curriculum aligned with the developmental needs of middle school students.
• Create engaging, project-based learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Teach concepts including budgeting, saving, banking, credit, investing, entrepreneurship, wealth building, and responsible financial decision-making.
• Develop authentic student projects, simulations, case studies, presentations, and collaborative learning experiences.
• Assess student learning through performance tasks, presentations, portfolios, and other meaningful measures of student growth.
• Coordinate a culminating showcase where students present business ideas, financial plans, investment strategies, or other capstone projects demonstrating their learning.
• Foster a positive, engaging classroom culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and student voice.
• Collaborate with school leadership to continuously strengthen and improve the program.

Why Join ITAV?

• Make an Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic and leadership development
• Grow Your Career: Access ongoing professional development, leadership pathways, and tuition assistance
• Be in Community: Join a team of passionate educators committed to excellence, equity, and innovation
• Innovate in Education: Contribute to a model that integrates social justice, community engagement, and academic excellence

Community & Industry Partnerships

Students will have opportunities throughout the year to learn from professionals working in banking, finance, and investment management through partnerships with organizations including DPIMC and JPMorgan Chase.

The instructor will work collaboratively with ITAV leadership and community partners to coordinate guest speakers, classroom visits, career exploration experiences, mentorship opportunities, and other authentic learning experiences that enhance classroom instruction.

Position Details

• Location: Bronzeville Campus (Chicago, IL)
• Employment Type: Independent Contractor (Part-Time)
• Term: 2026–2027 School Year (Approximately 40 Weeks)
• Schedule: One day per week (four instructional periods)
• Compensation: $10,000–$12,000, commensurate with experience

Qualifications: Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Accounting, Finance or a related field
• Minimum of three years of successful teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level.
• Demonstrated ability to design engaging, student-centered instruction.
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A passion for preparing students with practical life skills and expanding educational opportunity.

Preferred:

• Teaching financial literacy, economics, business, entrepreneurship, or mathematics.
• Project-based learning and experiential education.
• Banking, finance, accounting, investing, entrepreneurship, or wealth management.
• Developing interdisciplinary or enrichment programming.
• Collaborating with community organizations and industry professionals.

Who You Are

• Student-Centered: You prioritize the academic and social-emotional growth of students
• Instructionally Strong: You understand curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices
• Culturally Responsive: You believe in affirming students’ identities and experiences in the classroom
• Collaborative: You value teamwork and open communication with families and colleagues
• Mission-Aligned: You are passionate about culturally responsive education and social justice