Laboratory Schools: In-House Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood

Department

Lab School Early Childhood

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 Summary

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.

Responsibilities

• Carries out lesson plan instructions from the classroom teacher, and/or create lesson plans in absence of a prepared lesson; ensure all material is covered. A commitment to diversity and inclusion work, 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. 

• Builds deep relationships with students, faculty members, and staff to foster a culture of a community. Maintains strong lines of communication with the headteacher about student progress, and go above and beyond to support and collaborate closely with teammates in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission. Additionally focuses on communication with the absent teacher at the end of each day outlining classroom accomplishments and shortcomings of the day. 

• Creates and maintains a disciplined classroom that fosters a safe and productive learning environment while fostering a climate of respect and fairness for all students.

• Observes and assesses student performance.

• Emanates optimism, shares feedback to solve problems, reflects on how your actions impact others and take ownership of creating the culture you want to show up to each day.

• Provides instruction and coaching.

• Prepares lessons, activities, and assignments, and assesses and documents progress of those instructed.

• Participates in teacher training sessions and other professional development as necessary.

• Supports and contributes to curriculum development to enhance the program.

• Fulfills all teacher duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Lab School Faculty Handbook.

• Expands knowledge by participating in staff meetings, individual planning meetings, and/or parent-student staffings.

• May collaborate with teachers through classroom observation and curriculum discussions.

• Performs other related work as needed