Performing Arts Teacher - 2026/2027 School Year (Donoghue Campus)

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Charter School - Donoghue Elementary in Chicago, IL seeks a dynamic Performing Arts Teacher for the 2026/2027 school year. Immediate starting date, full-time, with responsibilities across curriculum design and school-wide performances.

Applicants must hold an Illinois Professional Educator License and have urban teaching experience. The role emphasizes creativity, collaboration with staff, and a commitment to high-quality arts education for pre-K to 5th grade students.

Qualifications

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement.
• At least 2 years of urban teaching experience in related field.
• Reflective and receptive to professional feedback and coaching.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to the success and achievement of all students.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, students, parents, and community partners.
• Ability to communicate clearly with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Campus Director, Instructional Coaches, and colleagues to implement and continuously strengthen the school's performing arts program.
• Design engaging, standards-aligned lessons that build students' artistic skills, creativity, discipline, and confidence while fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion.
• Demonstrate strong content expertise in the performing arts and an understanding of how to integrate literacy and mathematics connections when appropriate.
• Planning, directing, and producing two to three (2-3) school-wide performances or showcases per academic year. These performances may include concerts, plays, musicians, recitals, or themed productions and should reflect rigorous preparation, student growth, and artistic excellence.
• Oversee rehearsals, coordinate logistics, communicate with families, and collaborate with staff to ensure successful productions.
• Demonstrate strong classroom management skills, organizational capacity, artistic vision, and commitment to cultivating students' creativity, collaboration, and performance readiness.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job description

Performing Arts Teacher - 2026/2027 School Year (Donoghue Campus)

University of Chicago University of Chicago Charter School - Donoghue Elementary - Chicago, Illinois Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

About the Campus:

Serving pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, Donoghue is the second public elementary campus of the University of Chicago Charter School Corporation. Donoghue, which opened in 2005, is a college preparatory campus committed to professional development, inquiry, and high expectations for all staff and students. Donoghue serves as a catalyst for community building by offering programs for students and families beyond the school day.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and student-centered Performing Arts Teacher to deliver ambitious high-quality instruction within a classroom environment that not only incorporates evidence-based analysis of practice to ensure that all students can achieve at high levels, but also provides a stimulating, challenging, and productive learning environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the Campus Director, Instructional Coaches, and colleagues to implement and continuously strengthen the school's performing arts program.
• Design engaging, standards-aligned lessons that build students' artistic skills, creativity, discipline, and confidence while fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion.
• Demonstrate strong content expertise in the performing arts and an understanding of how to integrate literacy and mathematics connections when appropriate.
• Planning, directing, and producing two to three (2-3) school-wide performances or showcases per academic year. These performances may include concerts, plays, musicians, recitals, or themed productions and should reflect rigorous preparation, student growth, and artistic excellence.
• Oversee rehearsals, coordinate logistics, communicate with families, and collaborate with staff to ensure successful productions.
• Demonstrate strong classroom management skills, organizational capacity, artistic vision, and commitment to cultivating students' creativity, collaboration, and performance readiness.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement.
• At least 2 years of urban teaching experience in related field.
• Reflective and receptive to professional feedback and coaching.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to the success and achievement of all students.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, students, parents, and community partners.
• Ability to communicate clearly with multiple stakeholders.

Salary Range: $55,000.00 - $87,100.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University of Chicago Charter School's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. The salary will be commensurate of years of experience and education.

UChicago Charter School offers a wide range of benefits programs for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits guide.

UCCS recruits, hires, compensates, promotes and otherwise manages employees and prospective employees on the basis of individual merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any and all other factors protected by law. This policy includes UCCS's commitment to maintain a workplace free from sexual or other unlawful harassment or discrimination of any nature.

Job Details

Job ID: 5984638

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Nov 05, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $55,000 to $87,100 Per Year

Job Categories: Classroom Teacher > Elementary

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

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