Laboratory Schools: In-House Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood

About The Department

Lab School Early Childhood. At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Nursery through Grade 12 students experience a world-class educational journey. Lab was founded in 1896 by John Dewey to explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum. Lab emphasizes academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse, with strong collaboration with the University of Chicago. Lab seeks diversity, equity, and inclusion, and communities where students feel belonging and can use their voices.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our learning community. We hire people with a wide range of skills and training who share a love of learning and a wish to inspire that same love in young people. We provide a professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing growth, and positive relationships, and a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring workplace. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that are difficult to match elsewhere.

The job provides technical support to teachers in one or more subjects. With a moderate degree of supervision, this role provides technical assistance in assessing documents and student progress, preparing lesson plans and assignments, and developing course outlines.

• Carry out lesson plan instructions from the classroom teacher, and/or create lesson plans in the absence of a prepared lesson; ensure all material is covered. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, an understanding of the importance of teacher engagement in community life, and an interest in using a variety of pedagogical approaches in the classroom is essential.
• Build deep relationships with students, faculty members, and staff to foster a culture of community. Maintain strong lines of communication with the headteacher about student progress, and collaborate closely with teammates in support of Lab’s mission. Communicate with the absent teacher at the end of each day outlining classroom accomplishments and shortcomings.
• Create and maintain a disciplined classroom that fosters a safe and productive learning environment with a climate of respect and fairness for all students.
• Observe and assess student performance.
• Demonstrate optimism, share feedback to solve problems, reflect on how actions impact others, and take ownership of the culture you want to show up to each day.
• Provide instruction and coaching.
• Prepare lessons, activities, and assignments, and assess and document progress of those instructed.
• Participate in teacher training sessions and professional development as necessary.
• Support and contribute to curriculum development to enhance the program.
• Fulfills all teacher duties and responsibilities as outlined in Lab School Faculty Handbook.
• Expand knowledge by participating in staff meetings, planning meetings, and/or parent-student staffings.
• Collaborate with teachers through classroom observation and curriculum discussions, as appropriate.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications
Not specified in this posting beyond the listed qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• School teaching experience.
• Experience working with a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds (race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language, nationality).
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administration to support and extend curriculum objectives.

• Ability to move around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other community members.
• Ability to move class-related equipment/tools around school property.
• When appropriate, ability to escort children between classrooms during arrival, dismissal, or emergencies.
• Ability to demonstrate…