Great Lakes Academy Kindergarten or 1st Grade Teacher

Great Lakes Academy is a high-performing, single-site charter school located in South Chicago. Our mission is to prepare all of our students with the fundamental academic skills, critical thinking ability, and strength of character to excel in high school, college, and a career of their choice. We empower all of our students with the education today that they will need to change the world tomorrow.

We are seeking a high capacity, fiercely positive, growth-oriented Kindergarten or 1st Grade Teacher. For out-of-state candidates, we are able to provide up to $3,000 for relocation in the form of reimbursable expenses.

Job Description

A Great Lakes Academy Teacher will be a part of a team of game-changing teachers working to change the face of education on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Our Teachers take responsibility for the high academic achievement and character development of every child in their classrooms. The Kindergarten Teacher will internalize and adapt our high-quality unit and lesson plans in every subject to meet the needs of our students in a self-contained classroom. The 1st Grade Teacher will teach math to two 1st Grade homerooms.

Job Outputs

• Demonstrates a positive classroom culture and devotes the majority of time to instruction, minimizing discipline
• Instills a joy of learning in students and works to develop motivated and self-monitoring learners with the skills to set, monitor and meet academic and SEL goals
• Employs previous experience, best practices, and creativity to connect with students to ensure student achievement on interim and state tests that demonstrates high levels of mastery
• Establishes relationships with students and students’ families, communicating frequently and partnering in student success
• Cultivates engaging, rigorous learning environments for our students in and out of the classroom
• Consistently models the Be GREAT Great Lakes Academy core values: Gratitude, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, and Truthfulness.
• Develops a strong relationship with, and contributes to the development of, fellow teachers; collaborates with all staff members across team, grade level and subject area
• Drives decisions based on student data and positive student growth

Job Responsibilities

• Writes and delivers lesson plans that are engaging and effective per student data
• Implements classroom instruction that supports the academic, critical thinking and social-emotional growth of students
• Cultivates positive, collaborative relationships with families and consistent communication with families
• Assesses and evaluates student growth; action plans on class-wide, group-wide and individual basis in response to student data
• Creates a classroom culture that develops in students the Be GREAT core values and independent learning skills
• Participates and grows tremendously during annual three-week staff orientation and training
• Provides meaningful feedback to colleagues and collaborates and shares ideas and lessons and best practices with colleagues
• Demonstrates dedication and determination for student growth and student success that is measurable

Competencies

• Outstanding classroom management that relies on positive, proactive reinforcement of high behavioral standards and consistent classroom systems & procedures
• Strong relationship builder with students, families, and other staff members; is kind
• Critical thinker with ability to analyze data and adjust plans based on feedback & data to improve student achievement
• Growth mindset and ability to accept and implement feedback
• Ability to work collaboratively and without ego
• Willingness to place student achievement as highest goal
• Self-reflective, with a drive to continually grow as a teacher
• Willingness to work hard and flexibly in a dynamic environment, fast-changing environment
• Ability to quickly learn and implement technology innovations in the classroom

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required
• Valid IL State Certification preferred, but not required
• Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Culture Fit- Do these words describe you?

Commitment to social justice and equity, Fiercely positive, Hard-working, Intelligent, Team oriented, Organized, Sense of humor, Belief in the power of education, Humble, Self-reflective, Goal-oriented, Enthusiastic, Growth Oriented

As an equal opportunity employer, Great Lakes Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law