WHO WE WANT
Teachers make a difference in students' lives. They not only impart knowledge; they help students gain valuable skills for the future and build habits of mind that will equip them to navigate our challenging world. We want teachers who:
- are still students because great teaching is only possible when one continuously learns and improves.
- always look for evidence of learning and constantly adjust their teaching based on what they discover.
- value people and relationships because nothing can happen without a solid relationship.
If this sounds like you, continue reading to learn more about this role and our organization.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Our teachers create and execute powerful learning plans for students; cultivate an intentional and nurturing learning environment; establish and maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders. Specific responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
Instructional Planning and Delivery
- Plan and implement a program of instruction that adheres to the organization’s philosophy, goals and objectives as outlined in the adopted courses of study.
- Makes purposeful and appropriate lesson plans which provide for effective teaching strategies and maximizes time on task.
- Present subject matter to students to maximize learning opportunities and provide real-world, application-based examples and learning opportunities.
- Review student records in order to develop a foundation of understanding regarding each student’s abilities and needs. Maintain accurate and complete student records.
- Strive to maximize the educational achievement of each student.
- Utilize a variety/range of student learning modalities in each lesson and uses differentiated instruction within those lessons.
- Utilizes diagnostic assessment of student learning on a frequent basis.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records.
- Assess student strengths and weaknesses on a frequent basis, provide appropriate activities to address student needs, and generate progress reports as required.
- Refer students with suspected learning problems to appropriate support personnel.
- Assign lessons, correct student work products, and review performance tasks.
- Coordinate class field trips (as required).
- Prepare students for state-required achievement assessments.
- Keep current in subject matter knowledge and learning theory and be willing to share this knowledge for the continual improvement of the school's curriculum.
- Assist in the ongoing curriculum revision process, including the revision of written courses of study.
- Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
- Become acquainted with supplemental services beneficial to students as an extension of regular classroom activities.
- Develop lesson plans consistent with established guidelines and goals.
- Plan individual and / group learning activities designed to meet instructional objectives and students' needs.
- Prepare for classes assigned and shows evidence of preparation upon request of supervisory personnel.
- Participate with other staff members in curriculum planning during designated meetings.
- Incorporate into planning all diagnostic information as required in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect supplies, equipment, materials, and facilities needed to implement effectively the planned instructional program.
Cultivate a Classroom Environment Conducive to Learning
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
- Maintain positive rapport with students; demonstrate patience and appropriate nurturing to assist in the growth of the child.
- Ensure the classroom is clean, safe, and includes student-generated work on display as appropriate.
- Implement all relevant policies governing student conduct.
- Develop reasonable rules of classroom/playground behavior in accordance with the organization’s policy and guidelines, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and consistent manner.
Stakeholder Relationship Building
- Strive to establish cooperative relations and make reasonable efforts to communicate with parents/guardians when appropriate.
- Communicate clearly, consistently, and positively with parents via all appropriate mediums.
- Cooperate with members of the administration, and other staff.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student records.
- Participate in parent communication activities.
- Participate in extracurricular activities to ensure a positive school culture and provide support for students and staff (as required).
WHAT YOU BRING
- Valid ISBE teacher certification and associated endorsements as applicable for the subject or grade level.
- 1 to 3 years of successful teaching experience highly preferred (student teaching / internships count)
- Command of grades/subject-specific content and theoretical knowledge of learning theory, including motivation, reinforcement, evaluation, and feedback techniques.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email communications.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Be Fully Vaccinated:
- Chicago International Charter School requires all employees to be fully vaccinated* for COVID-19 as a condition of employment effective January 18, 2022. All offers of employment after that date are contingent upon proof of full-vaccination status as a part of the pre-employment process.
- Fully vaccinated is defined as follows: At least two weeks have passed since receipt of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, or the second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech two-dose vaccines.
Characteristics
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment toward the position and the mission of the organization; support the organization’s values in the strategic areas of academic excellence, operational performance, superior culture, and financial health and growth, as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Possess strong time management & organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.
- Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, students, parents, the community, and administrative staff. Is sensitive to sensitive to corporate needs, employee goodwill, and the public image, as unique situations present themselves.
- Possess excellent communication skills: Oral (including presentations), Written, Interpersonal (active listening), Negotiating, and Influencing.
- Have the desire and ability to be at work consistently, to be on time, to follow instructions, to respond to management direction, and to solicit feedback to improve performance.
Competencies
- Continuously Grows – you are a reflective practitioner who knows that you could always do better than you did today, and you make that growth happen even when you have competing priorities.
- Highly Analytical – you know that no one is teaching if no one is learning so you constantly look to evaluate whether students have actually learned what you sought to teach; plans are ever-changing because of your desire to respond to student progress.
- Relationship-Driven – work cannot happen without strong relationships with others regardless of whether they play the role of student or colleague on our campus.
WHO WE ARE
The mission of the Chicago International Charter School (CICS) is to be a vibrant network of unique Chicago charter schools that prepares students to thrive in college and life and empowers educators to innovate and lead. We strive to be a hub of excellence and innovation in Chicago education where every student flourishes, every school meets the unique needs of its students and community, and every success catalyzes citywide improvement.
CICS is entering an exciting time, embarking on the implementation of a new strategic plan. Joining our organization at this critical point in our history is an opportunity to be a part of leading CICS in a new direction.
We will continue to partner with high-performing school operators, but we will sharpen our focus on innovation, recruiting talented education entrepreneurs and supporting their efforts to innovate inside our schools and classrooms—ultimately, better serving Chicago’s students and their families.
Our plan is to develop CICS into a consistently high-performing network of academically rigorous, pedagogically diverse, forward-thinking schools that prepare every student for success in college or career – and our teachers will play a critical role in meeting that ambitious plan.
WHAT WE VALUE
Our values keep us honest and help us determine the best course of action to meet our mission and vision.
- We are determined optimists. We believe the quality of our schools must match the boundless potential of our students. We are uncompromising on quality and equity, fueled by the urgency to improve, and grounded in the belief that anything is possible if we keep striving.
- We are driven to make the world better for students. Our core purpose is to improve our world through education. All decisions are made through the lens of what is best for students. We have the courage to make tough calls that benefit students in the long term and a deep commitment to our work.
- We nurture new ideas. We give brave approaches the space to take root and the support to flourish. We are driven by data, embrace constant iteration, and have the curiosity to learn alongside our students so we can constantly improve.
- We get stuff done. We believe in hard work and humility. We’re focused on delivering results and we always maintain high expectations—for our students and ourselves.
- We are powered by people and partnership. We value our partners and our relationships. We maintain trust through transparency, direct communication, and integrity. We work together with compassion and without ego because we know the best solutions are forged collectively.
- We prioritize diversity and authenticity. Diversity and authenticity are non-negotiable in education. We bring our whole selves to work and school, tackle questions of race and equity, listen, and tap into the power of our differences individually and as a network.
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer a competitive compensation package, including salary commensurate with experience; paid-time off; a benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; disability as well as life insurance. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues committed to providing high-quality, innovative educational options for families across Chicago.
MORE ON THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter: usual school working conditions and may be noisy during high student traffic. In addition, the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. no physical exertion required; somewhat stressful due to frequent student activity; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND EQUITY
We are profoundly committed to ensuring that our schools serve as models of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Not only is it the right thing to do – but it’s also the most effective way to advance racial and social justice. Because we live, learn and work in a diverse city and a diverse world, we value and expect cross-cultural competence and the continuous self-reflection and self-awareness it demands. Through our policies, practices, and attitudes, we cultivate a culture that prepares seniors and students to respect, embrace, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within our schools and beyond them.
Chicago International Charter School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
RrOW8W259s