2025-2026 ESL Teacher

ESL Teacher for the 2025-2026 School Year

The Chicago High School for the Arts is now accepting applications for a licensed ESL Teacher.

About ChiArts:

ChiArts is a premier institution dedicated to developing the next generation of artistically gifted, diverse scholar-artists through rigorous pre-professional arts training combined with a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum. We embrace a whole-student approach and foster a collaborative, continuous learning environment for faculty and staff to better serve all students.

Position Overview:

The ESL Teacher will play a vital role in supporting English language learners by designing engaging, differentiated instruction that promotes oral and written proficiency, critical thinking, and academic confidence. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students can thrive in both ChiArts’ curriculum and standardized assessments.

Key Responsibilities:

Instruction & Student Engagement

• Develop and implement dynamic, student-centered ESL lessons that support language acquisition, literacy, and content comprehension.
• Use backward design principles to create unit plans aligned with curriculum goals.
• Implement trauma-informed, restorative justice, and anti-racist teaching practices in the classroom.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students at varying English proficiency levels.
• Provide direct instruction, small group interventions, and co-teaching support as needed.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Work closely with general education teachers and the Diverse Learner department to ensure students receive appropriate accommodations and support.
• Collaborate with colleagues to establish best practices tailored to ChiArts’ diverse student population.
• Maintain accurate student records, track progress, and use data-driven instruction to enhance student outcomes.
• Actively participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan meetings.
• Serve as an advocate for English language learners, ensuring compliance with state and federal ESL education guidelines.

School & Community Engagement

• Maintain consistent communication with parents and guardians, providing updates on student progress and strategies for support.
• Participate in school events, open houses, and parent conferences.
• Serve as an advisor in the student advisory program, offering mentorship and guidance to students.
• Assist in fostering an inclusive and supportive school culture aligned with ChiArts’ mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an ESL or bilingual endorsement.
• Experience working with multilingual learners and at-risk youth preferred.
• Experience in curriculum development, co-teaching, and intervention strategies preferred.
• Knowledge of backward design planning and differentiated instruction.
• Proficiency in educational technology and data-driven instruction.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and the value of arts education.
• Ability to adapt and improve in changing environments while collaborating effectively with colleagues.

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 (based on experience and qualifications).
• Full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement options.
• Part-time available 

Why Join ChiArts?

• Work in a unique, arts-focused high school environment where creativity and academic excellence thrive.
• Join a supportive, collaborative faculty dedicated to student success.
• Engage in meaningful professional development opportunities.
• Make a lasting impact on students’ futures—both academically and artistically.

How to Apply?

Apply now by visiting www.chiarts.org. Be sure to include:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Copy of your Professional Educator License (PEL) 

If you are passionate about education and excited to be part of a vibrant arts-focused school, we encourage you to apply!