On-Call Substitute Teacher

distinctiveschools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Best Places to Work

Collaborative team

Community impact

Social justice focus

Job summary

Distinctive Schools in Chicago seeks an On-Call Substitute Teacher to deliver content in the absence of the regular teacher across multiple campuses. This role supports student growth in a safe, engaging environment and aligns with campus schedules.

The position requires a Bachelor's Degree, ISBE Substitute Teaching License, and comfort with Google Suite and other cloud tools. It is part-time, up to 29 hours weekly, with starting pay at $20 per hour.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Substitute Teaching License in ISBE required.
• Familiar with cloud-based software solutions (Google Suite) and able to learn digital tools as needed.

Responsibilities

• Teach scheduled classes and implement lesson plans.
• Create a positive learning environment and manage classroom routines.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and school data.
• Ensure student safety and stay with class during supervision period.
• Provide impromptu, developmentally appropriate activities as needed.
• Prepare detailed notes and summaries on completed work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Title: On-Call Substitute Teacher
Location: All Distinctive School Campuses:

• CICS Bucktown: 2235 N Hamilton Ave
• CICS Irving Park: 3820 N Spaulding Ave
• CICS Lloyd Bond: 13300 S Langley Ave
• CICS Longwood-Loomis: 1309 W 95th St
• CICS Prairie: 11530 S Prairie Ave
• CICS West Belden: 2245 N McVicker Ave

Reports To: Principal
Salary Range: Starting at $20.00 hourly - based on experience
Career Level: Substitute Teacher
Employee Type: On-Call / Part-Time (up to 29 hours a week)
Start Date: September 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.

Position Overview

Substitute Teacher is responsible for the delivery of specified course content in the absence of the classroom teacher. Responsible for providing a safe educational atmosphere where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, and psychological growth. Substitute Teacher workday corresponds with the teacher’s workday.

Job Responsibilities

Instructional Strategies

• Teach scheduled classes
• Implement lesson plans, routines, and expectations set forth by the classroom teacher
• Develop and maintain a positive learning environment
• Implement effective management procedures and routines
• Maintain the confidentiality of student Information, grades, and school personnel
• Take precautions to ensure staff/student safety. Does not leave students unsupervised
• Consult with the grade level/content team to resolve questions and/or concerns
• Follow all campus procedures and schedules
• Promote the proper use and care of materials, tools, and school property
• Supervises non-classroom duties when assigned
• Provide impromptu lesson plan or activity that is developmentally appropriate as needed
• Assist students with their coursework towards mastery
• Assume all duties and responsibilities of the absent teacher
• Adapt instructional approach to meet the unique individual needs of the students
• Provide detailed notes and summary on work completed

Communication

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, families, and community members
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly

Job Requirements (minimum)

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Qualifications

• Substitute Teaching License in ISBE
• Technology demands:
  • Familiar with cloud based software solutions (Google Suite)
  • Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed for the position

Physical demands: 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.

Benefits

• Distinctive Schools was named one of Crain's 2021 Best Places to Work in Chicago; culture is at the heart of what we do.
• We are a collaborative team of professionals supporting each other to instill a love of learning in our students.
• We empower students, families and staff to contribute to our mission in a meaningful way.
• We make an impact in our communities by serving some of the most historically marginalized in the city.

Description Disclaimer

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 required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO

Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.

Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or call 773.828.4191