Laboratory Schools: History Teacher, High School, Part-Time

Department

Lab School High School Faculty

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.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Information

Job Summary:

History teachers develop and execute engaging lesson plans, creating an environment that allows students to think critically and independently. Candidates should be comfortable teaching with an emphasis on primary sources, developing analytical research paper skills, and adapting classroom instruction to various learning styles.

The History Department is responsible for the history education of students in grades 9 - 12. The courses taught by the History Department include Worlds of Asia, African-American, American, Early World, European, Modern World, and World History, as well as several elective classes. History teachers report to their respective Principals and are responsible to the History Department Chair. The high school currently supports separate History and English departments and middle school support a combined Humanities department.  The school is developing more interdisciplinary programming and is keen to have teachers collaborate and teach across departments and divisions.  Demonstrated interest and ability to do both are strongly preferred.We are looking for team members who will emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how their actions impact others, create an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.

Anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2026.

All teachers are expected to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and are expected to work the required days as stipulated in that agreement.

Responsibilities:

• Teachers are responsible for developing curriculum.
• Supervising students both in and out of the classroom, and maintaining up-to-date teaching techniques to provide students with a quality educational experience. 
• Teachers are also expected to build deep relationships with students, families, other faculty, and staff to communicate about student progress and to foster a culture of community.

Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of in