About Chicago Public Schools: Our mission is to provide a high-quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. We believe a well-rounded public education is an absolute necessity, providing students with an enriched, diverse, and comprehensive curriculum that allows them to engage in critical thinking, improve physical and emotional health, and become productive citizens.
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the school principal, the Teacher is responsible for the instruction, progress, tracking, and safety of all students in assigned classes. The Teacher must utilize a continuous improvement process to refine their practice within the CPS Framework for Teaching. This role requires a commitment to equity, cultural competence, and supports the development of students as tolerant and unbiased citizens.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Instructional Planning and Pedagogy
Demonstrate a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge to implement coherent instruction and assessments targeted to student learning objectives.
Develop instructional plans, including unit and lesson plans, as a professional responsibility. The organization, format, and instructional strategies of these plans are within the Teacher’s discretion, provided they meet content standards and student learning outcomes.
Supplement the school district curriculum with appropriate lessons and activities that meet student needs, including culturally responsive teaching standards, Black history, LGBTQ+ contributions, and anti-racist curriculum, consistent with Board policy.
Personalize student learning through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources.
Classroom Climate and Student Support
Create an environment for effective student learning by establishing a productive classroom culture that promotes and appreciates the cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds of students.
Implement restorative practices which foster a participatory and safe school climate conducive to learning, aligned to the CPS Student Code of Conduct.
Maintain a healthy working and learning environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, which demonstrates respect for diverse students and staff.
Assessment and Grading
Exercise independent professional judgment to regularly assess student progress, notify students and parents of progress, and determine grades in accordance with the CPS Professional Grading Standards and Grading Practices Guidelines.
Publish clear grading practices at the beginning of the course for students, parents, and administration.
Use the CPS electronic parent portal Aspen or other electronic systems for housing student grades and notifying families of assignments and assessments.
Professional Responsibilities and Communication
Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills and exercise sound professional judgment in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students.
Maintain accurate attendance records, grade reports and student records.
Participate in in-service meetings, professional staff meetings, and professional development activities.
Collaborate with the behavioral health team and clinicians (e.g., psychologists, social workers) and special education teachers regarding students with disabilities, including participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
Engage in the evaluation process, which includes observations and self-assessment, to inform professional development.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Licensure: A valid Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, with the appropriate endorsement(s) for the role.
Physical Requirements:
Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demands include the ability to stoop occasionally, reach frequently, talk and hear constantly, and frequent use of near visual acuity.
Terms of Employment:
Residency: Must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago or willing to become a resident within six months of employment, unless a specific exemption applies.
Work Day: The regular school day for Elementary/Middle school shall not exceed seven hours, including a 45-minute continuous duty-free lunch. The regular school day for High School shall not exceed 435 minutes (7.25 hours), including a 50-minute continuous duty-free lunch.
Salary Benefits: Salary is determined by the collective bargaining agreement based on education and experience. More information on salary can be found atcps.edu/teachersalary. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision), pension plans, and paid time off (sick days, personal days, and holidays).Reference theChicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overviewor thebenefits handbookfor comprehensive details.
Non-Discrimination Policy: It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or immigration status. The full statement and additional information can be found atwww.cps.edu/about/non-discrimination-statement.