Job Information

Job  Summary:

The English Department aims to cultivate thoughtful, reflective, and independent readers and writers. We believe in the power of literature to inspire, question, and broaden perspectives. Our goal is not only to equip students with critical analytical, interpretative, and writing skills but also to foster a lifelong love of literature that students carry into the world.

Our English program starts with foundational, collaboratively designed courses for 9th and 10th graders, carefully scaffolded to develop close reading and argumentation skills. In 11th and 12th grade, students choose from theme- or genre-based electives, where they use an evidence-first approach to develop original critical essays. Rather than structuring courses by traditional categories such as American or British literature, we invite students to explore a wide range of identities, historical periods, genres, and human experiences throughout their four years. In addition, the program encourages creative and self expression through personal narratives, poetry translation, cross-textual explorations, playwriting, and other creative projects.

Teachers are expected to create an environment that allows students to think critically, creatively, and independently; to foster engaging class discussions; to guide students through a clear and structured writing process; and to adapt instruction to accommodate various learning styles.

Anticipated start date for this position is 8/24/2026.

Responsibilities:

• Teachers are responsible for working collaboratively to develop curriculum with their course teams; for supervising students both in and out of the classroom; and for continually updating their teaching methods to ensure students receive a high-quality educational experience. 

• Teachers are expected to foster trusting relationships with students, and to collaborate and communicate with families, other faculty, and staff in support of student learning. We are looking for team members who will emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how one’s actions impact others, contribute to an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.

• The English Department is responsible for educating students in grades 9-12.  The courses taught by the department are designed to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills, and the content of the courses is chosen to support those goals. 

• English teachers report to their respective Principals and are responsible to the English Department Chair.  The high school currently supports separate History and English departments and the middle school supports a combined Humanities department. 

• 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.

Competencies:  

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.

• 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.

• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.

• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.

• Strong knowledge of child development required.

• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.

• Analytical skills required.

• Problem-solving skills required.

• Decision-making skills required.

• Attention to detail required.

• Organizational skills required.

• Computational skills required.

• Creativity required.

• Verbal and written communication skills

• Interpersonal skills required.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

• Ability to manage stressful situations required.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/scheduling software, etc.) required.

Additional Responsibilities

Additional Job Responsibilities:

Education:      

• Bachelor's degree in English or a related field (ie. comparative literature, humanities) required.

• Master's degree in English or a related field preferred. 

Experience:      

• Three years of middle school or high school teaching experience in English/Language Arts is preferred.

• Ability to teach any grade level of high school English required.

• Experience developing curriculum is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions: 

• Ability to move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.

• Ability to 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.

• Ability to demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Professional References

About The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provide one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life—of thought and exploration—infuses all aspects of our curriculum, and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey—one of the great minds in education—established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today’s students still benefit from his vision, and today’s Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the fine...st employees—people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment. Interested candidates should apply via our website at: http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/about-lab/employment AA/EOE Statement: 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 773-834-1841 or by email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools