Job Description:

Job Summary:

The History department  (grades 9-12) believes that historical study is uniquely structured to build appreciation of, and engagement in, a globalized world, and that students build valuable analytical and communication skills through careful attention to research processes and contextualization of current events in their historical antecedents.  Likewise, historical study propels cross-cultural competence and an appreciation for global interdependence. In the twenty-first century, historians increasingly engage in transnational research, building more accurate and inclusive global narratives regarding historical events. These narratives provide context for our own experiences with globalization today and empower us to be better citizens. The History Department works to implement an ever-evolving, culturally-responsive curriculum which is reflected in its recently adopted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Accommodation statements. 

Unaffiliated with the College Board APâ„¢ programs, our faculty work to honor John Dewey by using an inquiry approach to learning and its curricular objectives. The History department cultivates studentsâ™ thinking skills so they actively construct and analyze historical narratives. Open-ended interpretative questions and student-centered instructional methods (e.g., discussion, debate, and simulation) empower students to act as historians, analyzing and interpreting texts and artifacts with well-evidenced conclusions. Students become adept at scholarly research, investigating more sophisticated sources as they move from tier-to-tier, ultimately reaching â‹print sources and scholarly, subscription databases from University of Chicagoâ™s Regenstein Library. Students investigate sources critically, analyzing and synthesizing both primary and secondary sources for point of view and context, rather than accepting them at face value. Students also learn analytical writing skills of thesis formation, well-constructed and evidenced body paragraphs, and attention to proper source citation. The department is committed to a growth mindset that propels students to create ever-increasingly sophisticated work as they move from tier to tier.

 

Current departmental history courses include African-American, American, Early World, European, Modern World, and Modern World Religions.  Current electives include AT Economics, AT Comparative Politics and Global Relations, Herstory, the Holocaust, and Genocide.  History teachers report to their respective Principals and are responsible to the History Department Chair. 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.  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 in classrooms, advisory, and club/affinity group spaces. Enthusiasm, collaboration, reflective teaching and learning, and commitment to Labâ™s mission are vital.

Responsibilities:

• Develop curriculum.
• Supervise students both in and out of the classroom
• Maintain up-to-date teaching techniques to provide students with a quality educational experience. 
• Build deep relationships with students, families, other faculty, and staff to communicate about student progress and to foster a culture of community. 
• Anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2021.

Competencies:  

• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Deep knowledge of child development required.
• Develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Analytical skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Strong interpersonal, and the ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Creativity required.
• Strong verbal and written communication 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 deadlines required.

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:      

• Bachelor's degree in history or a related field required.
• Master's degree or higher in history or a related field preferred. 
• Coursework or degree that reflects multicultural content preferred.

 

Experience:      

• A minimum of three years of middle school or high school teaching experience required.
• Teach any grade level of history required.
• Proficient in developing a curriculum is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge with a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language and nationality, preferred. 

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, the ability to 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
• Professional References Contact Information

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 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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