Distinctive Schools
8th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
Distinctive Schools, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
Title: 8th Grade Science/Social Studies Teacher
Location: 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Reports To: Principal
Salary Range: Starting at $61,029, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: November 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 instruction that engages learners and provides multiple opportunities for application of learned content. Lesson plans are aligned to grade-level standards and use the core curriculum. Checks for understanding, student work, and assessments are used to make real-time and planned adjustments to address gaps in instruction. Teachers have strong content knowledge in their subject area and participate in cycles of practice, feedback, and growth. They build classroom communities with routines, rituals, and management practices that maximize instructional time and communicate progress 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 engage in culturally responsive decision making
Foster belonging through positive relationships with students, families, and staff
Cultivate a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset
Foster a positive climate and culture
Serve as a positive role model
Preparation, Instruction and Assessment (90%)
Implement the DS Model
Provide consistent opportunities for all students to work on grade-appropriate assignments using the core curriculum, resources, and strategies with frequent checks for understanding
Deliver strong instruction that engages students and requires cognitive lift
Design, prepare and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards
Ensure student-centered, personalized learning and integrate students’ needs, strengths, and interests into the learning
Maintain inventory of instructional materials
Maintain accurate records of students' progress and development
Analyze assessments to monitor progress and inform instructional adjustments
Assess students daily, weekly, and at unit ends; analyze data through campus and network systems
Engage in coaching and professional development to improve instructional effectiveness
Participate in required professional development and meetings
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal
Classroom Culture
Maintain an organized and welcoming environment with belonging, joy, hope, and safety
Manage strong classroom procedures and routines to maximize learning
Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
Communicate effectively with students and families
Use restorative justice approaches for discipline consistent with campus and network practices
Collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement
Requirements & Qualifications (minimum) Education Bachelor’s Degree
Qualifications
Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment or proof of enrollment in a Teacher Certification program within 30 days of employment
Content Area Endorsement (academic expertise in related fields)
Technology demands:
Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources
Proficient with cloud-based software solutions (Google Suite)
Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed for the position
Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration
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
25+ paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
12 weeks family paid leave
Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
403b match: Fully match up to 3%; 50% match up to 5%
Professional development including tuition reimbursement
Gym and wellness discounts
And more
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 characteristic protected by law. Distinctive Schools is committed to full inclusion and will provide reasonable accommodations as required. If accommodations are needed to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Education and Training
Industries Education Administration Programs and Primary and Secondary Education
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Location: 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Reports To: Principal
Salary Range: Starting at $61,029, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: November 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 instruction that engages learners and provides multiple opportunities for application of learned content. Lesson plans are aligned to grade-level standards and use the core curriculum. Checks for understanding, student work, and assessments are used to make real-time and planned adjustments to address gaps in instruction. Teachers have strong content knowledge in their subject area and participate in cycles of practice, feedback, and growth. They build classroom communities with routines, rituals, and management practices that maximize instructional time and communicate progress 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 engage in culturally responsive decision making
Foster belonging through positive relationships with students, families, and staff
Cultivate a strengths-based, equity-focused mindset
Foster a positive climate and culture
Serve as a positive role model
Preparation, Instruction and Assessment (90%)
Implement the DS Model
Provide consistent opportunities for all students to work on grade-appropriate assignments using the core curriculum, resources, and strategies with frequent checks for understanding
Deliver strong instruction that engages students and requires cognitive lift
Design, prepare and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to grade-level standards
Ensure student-centered, personalized learning and integrate students’ needs, strengths, and interests into the learning
Maintain inventory of instructional materials
Maintain accurate records of students' progress and development
Analyze assessments to monitor progress and inform instructional adjustments
Assess students daily, weekly, and at unit ends; analyze data through campus and network systems
Engage in coaching and professional development to improve instructional effectiveness
Participate in required professional development and meetings
Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal
Classroom Culture
Maintain an organized and welcoming environment with belonging, joy, hope, and safety
Manage strong classroom procedures and routines to maximize learning
Build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
Communicate effectively with students and families
Use restorative justice approaches for discipline consistent with campus and network practices
Collaborate with colleagues to support student growth and achievement
Requirements & Qualifications (minimum) Education Bachelor’s Degree
Qualifications
Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment or proof of enrollment in a Teacher Certification program within 30 days of employment
Content Area Endorsement (academic expertise in related fields)
Technology demands:
Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources
Proficient with cloud-based software solutions (Google Suite)
Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed for the position
Travel as required for training, professional development, and collaboration
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
25+ paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
12 weeks family paid leave
Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
403b match: Fully match up to 3%; 50% match up to 5%
Professional development including tuition reimbursement
Gym and wellness discounts
And more
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 characteristic protected by law. Distinctive Schools is committed to full inclusion and will provide reasonable accommodations as required. If accommodations are needed to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Education and Training
Industries Education Administration Programs and Primary and Secondary Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr