Position Title: Makerspace Teacher

F.T.E: 1.0

Location: 3820 N. Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL 60618

Reports To: School Director

Start Date: Fall 2021

The Mission of Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.

Position Description:

A Distinctive Makerspace Teacher will work with a team of teachers, parents and students, and help design his/her classroom environment, including our school's maker space to create a program that allows for creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and exhibits our school's virtues through hands on experiences. The program will be authentic and meaningful and build character in our students. This role is an exciting opportunity for a teacher who values social emotional learning, growth mindset, curriculum design, the maker movement, hands-on learning and understands the importance of a personalized and engaging curriculum for elementary aged children. This person will:

• Provide inspiration and support for faculty and students in developing and implementing new innovative learning opportunities.
  
• Support development of a community-wide common language around innovation, including faculty, students, families, and local community. Reach out to the community to collaborate and form partnerships.
  
• Collaborate with administration, families and staff to develop learning goals and scope and sequence for Makerspace elective.
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  
• Illinois Professional Educators License
  
• Have a varied professional experience, both in classroom settings and outside of schools.
  
• Enjoy spending time with 5-14 year olds.
  
• Be flexible, hard-working, and have a vision.
  
• Have strong communication skills with staff, parents, and children.
  
• Demonstrate understanding of the educational and social development of children in this age-group.
  
• Exhibit a passion for developing, implementing and improving curricula that is informed by best practice and experience.
  
• Have knowledge or demonstrable willingness to use diverse materials to create; ie. fabric, audio/visual, wood, cardboard, styrofoam, paper mache, metal, programming, etc...
  

Why Join the Distinctive Schools Team:

• We are a collaborative team of professionals supporting each other to instill a love of learning in our students
  
• We empower students, families and staff to contribute to our mission in a meaningful way
  
• Distinctive Schools was named one of Crain's 2021 Best Places to Work in Chicago; culture is at the heart of what we do
  
• We make an impact in our communities by serving some of the most historically marginalized in the city
  
• We offer a great benefits package for full time employees (Medical; Dental; Vision; PTO; 403b match, discounted gym membership, tuition reimbursement options, referral bonus)
  
• 4% pension contribution
  
• Salaries starting at $50,000 for licensed teachers
  

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 personal characteristic protected by applicable law.