Bennett Day School is a progressive independent day school looking for passionate educators with innovative spirit and rich background in adolescent learning and school experience. We are a new type of independent school; unabashed believers in the values of progressive education, we put students at the center of the process of learning.
The Bennett Day Middle School is hiring a full-time lead science teacher. In this role, you’ll be part of the Middle School faculty team and be responsible for implementing the core characteristics of our progressive, project- and competency-based middle school.
Reporting to our Director of Middle and Upper School, you’ll bring your experience to the team to lead a cohort of students as part of the middle school team of teachers beginning in the fall of 2024-2025. Most importantly, you’ll act as advisor to the students in a cohort, leading a small group of students as a mentor through all elements of the school experience. As a teacher, you’ll also design and team teach courses in Project-Based Learning environments, based on the needs of our students and in your field of expertise.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As one of our teachers, you’ll be intimately involved in every aspect of our growing school, and have input into major pedagogical and/or curricular decisions that the middle school makes. You’ll simultaneously develop your pedagogical and design skills free from many outside constraints that you find in traditional schools, as you will be designing and implementing a project-based curriculum in a grade-free (no A’s, B’s or C’s) school. You’ll have the opportunity to develop meaningful educational relationships with students in your work as an advisor as well. You’ll also learn from your colleagues during professional development, which occurs on Wednesdays when students are in electives. We are a small team and collaborate constantly on pedagogy, educational design, and student support. This position is ideal for someone who thrives when given the opportunity to make close connections and develop relationships with students, families and colleagues.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
3+ years experience working with adolescents in an education setting
Recognition that your primary role is an advisor and that your content expertise is secondary to the position
Experience designing project-based learning experiences for middle school students
Experience teaching Science courses in a Middle School setting
Success in, or deep interest in, designing and teaching competency-based learning programs
Interdisciplinary and/or team teaching experience
Interest in/Experience working in teams
Successful experience working as a mentor/advisor to an adolescent within an academic setting
Interest in/Experience designing innovative and experimental curriculum in a collaborative setting
Commitment to continual development of one’s cultural competence
Commitment to ongoing professional development
STRONGLY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Comfort in a startup culture
Experience or education in, or professional passion for, multiple content areas across traditional silos
Interest in the Science of the Adolescent Brain/Learning Science
*Responsibilities are not all-inclusive and will include other duties as assigned
Requirements
Physical strength to independently lift 15-20 lbs
Fluency in written and oral language in English
Ability to oversee and ensure the safety of children in and out of the classroom
Bennett Day School is a new PreK-12 independent school in the heart of Chicago. Currently operating grades PreK, JK, SK, and First, Bennett Day School is founded with progressive roots. A fundamental and driving force behind our Reggio Emilia-inspired program is the belief that children of all ages learn through questioning, exploring and discovering. We are committed to advancing creativity, leadership and a love of learning for students and teachers.