Middle School ELA/Humanities Teacher

Distinctive Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Chicago is seeking a Middle School ELA/Humanities Teacher who is passionate about fostering a love for learning. The ideal candidate will engage students through high expectations and strong relationships while contributing to a positive classroom culture. Responsibilities include delivering standards-aligned lessons and maintaining effective communication with stakeholders. This full-time role offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment for professional growth.

Benefits

25+ paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually

12 weeks paid family leave

Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)

403b retirement plan with matching

Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Wellness discounts

Qualifications

• Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent required.
• Content Area Endorsement needed.

Responsibilities

• Implement engaging, cognitively demanding instruction.
• Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making.
• Build relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Skills

Technology skills

Data analysis

Proficiency with Google Suite

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

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Title: Middle School ELA Teacher

Location: CICS Bucktown - 2235 N Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

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 focus on engaging instruction, providing multiple opportunities for application, and using assessments to inform instruction. They build strong content knowledge and foster classroom communities with routines and rituals that maximize learning. Teachers also maintain ongoing communication with students and families.

Responsibilities
Culture
- Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making
- Believe that all students can learn and achieve great things
- Contribute to equity work and culturally responsive decision making
- Build a culture of belonging through positive relationships
- Foster a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset
- Promote a positive climate and serve as a role model

Preparation, Instruction and Assessment (90%)
- Implement the DS Model
- Provide grade-appropriate assignments with regular checks for understanding
- Deliver engaging, cognitively demanding instruction
- Use core tools to design and deliver standards-aligned lessons
- Personalize learning to student needs and interests
- Maintain instructional materials inventory
- Keep accurate records of student progress
- Use assessments to monitor and support student mastery
- Participate in coaching, professional development, and meetings
- Perform other duties as assigned

Classroom Culture (10%)
- Maintain an organized, welcoming environment
- Manage routines and procedures to maximize learning
- Build relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders
- Use restorative justice approaches for discipline
- Collaborate to support student growth

Requirements & Qualifications (minimum)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent (IL or MI) or proof of enrollment in a certification program within 30 days
- Content Area Endorsement
- Technology skills: data analysis, proficiency with Google Suite, adaptable to digital tools
- Willingness to travel for training and collaboration

Physical Demands
- Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling; fine finger dexterity
- Generally, 10% sitting, 50% walking, 40% standing

Benefits
- 25+ paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually
- 12 weeks paid family leave
- Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- 403b retirement plan with matching
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
- Wellness discounts and more

Disclaimer
Duties may evolve with the role; responsibilities are not exhaustive.

EEO Statement
Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and non-discrimination. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact [e-mail] or call 773.828.4191 for accommodations.