Career Center

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Job Summary:

Lab’s History Department, which is responsible for educating students in grades 9-12, seeks a teacher with expertise and experience teaching Modern Global or Modern World History coursework. We welcome candidates that are interested in complementing our varied offerings such as African-American, American, Early World, Environmental and Industrial, European Intellectual, Global Cold War, Imperialism and Resistance, Latinx, Modern World Religions, and Worlds of Asia. Current electives include Economics, Comparative Politics and Global Relations, and War & Violence in the Pre-Modern World.  
 

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver an innovative, effective, academically challenging, and culturally responsive curriculum.
• Build deep relationships with students, families, other faculty and staff to communicate about student progress and to foster a culture of community in classrooms, Advisory, and club/affinity group spaces. 
• Pursue continuous improvement as a history educator via reading, professional development opportunities, individual and collegial research, etc., in order to provide students with a superior educational experience. 
• Maintain coherent and transparent practices in grading student work. 
• Supervise students both in and out of the classroom.
• History teachers report to their respective Principals and are responsible to the History Department Chair. 
• Anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2023.

Competencies:  

• Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Analytical skills required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Creativity required.
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills required.
• Work independently and as part of a team required.
• Manage stressful situations required.
• Maintain confidentiality required.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet the deadlines required.?
• Good judgment; thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making; durable, well-developed sense of professionalism. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, and sincere desire to work collegially, collaboratively, and productively.

Education:      

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master’s degree or higher in history preferred.
• Applicants with either a Bachelor’s or an advanced degree in a closely related field may also be considered. 

Experience:      

• A minimum of three years of middle, high school, or college teaching experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience as an effective teacher of history. 
• Demonstrated experience working with colleagues and students of diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, learning abilities, socioeconomic,, language and nationality.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Strong knowledge of child development is required.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
• Proficient in standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/scheduling software, etc.) required.
• In-depth, working knowledge of subject area(s), including relevant primary and secondary sources.  
• In-depth, working knowledge of developmentally-appropriate instructional methodologies and demonstrated ability to help students develop and hone the skills (critical reading and writing, critical thinking, research, source evaluation, citation, etc.) essential to the discipline of history.
• Teach history at any grade level in the high school. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.
• Move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property
• When appropriate, escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.
• Demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts
• Professional References Contact Information (3)

Interested applicants visit https://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/about-lab/employment for more information to apply.

About The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provide one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life—of thought and exploration—infuses all aspects of our curriculum, and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey—one of the great minds in education—established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today’s students still benefit from his vision, and today’s Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the fine...st employees—people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment. Interested candidates should apply via our website at: http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/about-lab/employment AA/EOE Statement: The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-1841 or by email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.

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Connections working at The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools