Middle School Grade (6-8) Teacher (Future Opportunities)

Overview Salary Range: $54,820.00 - $64,696.00 Salary Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage: Negligible Description Primary Professional Function Educators at The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW) are hired with the invitation and encouragement to be life‑long learners. FXW will employ faculty who enjoy teaching, who are progressive and innovative in their craft, who love working with students, who are great colleagues, and who truly find joy in their profession. We expect that an FXW faculty member possesses the necessary knowledge, teaching skills, character, and commitment to be productive members of the FXW community. Additionally, the FXW teacher will adhere to the unique Catholic mission and interfaith values of FXW School. At FXW, we aspire that each teacher is successful. To do so, an FXW teacher will: Utilize effective instructional strategies with students. Be willing to grow in their profession. Create and manage the classroom in a positive manner, respecting the dignity of all. Embrace the FXW Mission and Charisms. Complete annual goals and seek professional development opportunities. Maintain a positive rapport with all members of the FXW community. Fulfill routine duties and expectations in a dependable manner. Middle School Grade 6-8 Teacher Program Description At the Frances Xavier Warde School, Middle School students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, broaden their reading and understanding of community and world issues, and learn to make good decisions and act independently as they prepare for high school. With teacher guidance, students explore content area subjects while developing a repertoire of academic vocabulary, note‑taking skills and test‑taking strategies. Teachers focus on curriculum integration in the humanities, math and science, and world language. Through intensive training in both oral and written communication, participation in cooperative projects and experiments, and purposeful use of technology, students build young adult learning skills as they broaden their knowledge. During the Middle School years, students are given greater opportunities for extracurricular activities in sports, drama, music and art, which foster increased independence as they progress towards high school. Duties / Responsibilities Middle School Grade 6-8 Teacher – Primary Functions The Middle School Teacher is responsible for facilitating the cognitive development of all learners by providing a quality learning experience to all children in their care. The teacher must possess the knowledge and theoretical grounding necessary to instruct the Middle School student, utilizing age‑appropriate methods, strategies and procedures. FXW Middle School (Grades 6‑8) Teacher – Job Description What Makes an FXW Teacher Competent and Effective Educators are hired with the expectation that they possess the necessary knowledge, teaching skills, character, and commitment to be productive members of the FXW community. The following is a list of descriptors: Adheres to the unique Catholic mission and interfaith values of FXW School. Articulates a working knowledge of FXW's value‑centered mission and academically rigorous curricular goal. Participates in spiritual development activities of the FXW community, including support for student community service projects and initiatives. Models the importance of daily prayer and worship through active participation with students. Demonstrates a willingness to plan, encourage and participate in community building activities (religious, social and educational). Utilizes effective instructional strategies and assessment tools that develop higher‑level thinking skills. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of subject matter. Understands interrelationships of content areas. Regularly utilizes formative and summative assessment to guide instruction. Employs technology effectively to enhance teaching. Presents lessons and instructions in multiple modalities to address students' various learning styles and abilities. Encourages students to become aware of social issues and current events appropriate to their level of understanding. Creates and manages the classroom in a positive manner, respecting the dignity of all. Respects the rights of students as individuals. Utilizes positive reinforcement strategies. Creates a classroom that is visually stimulating, orderly and safe. Mentors students effectively and professionally. Completes annual goals and seeks professional development opportunities. Demonstrates a sense of professional responsibility by keeping current with recent practice and research in education. Collaborates and works with administration to further yearly goals. Maintains a positive rapport with all members of the FXW community. Accepts feedback and works to show improvement. Respects the integrity of fellow staff, students and parents by being discreet and tactful when discussing student and school‑related issues. Demonstrates flexibility and models collegiality. Fulfills routine duties and expectations in a dependable manner. Demonstrates evidence of prior planning and preparation. Creates lesson plans with clear student‑centered objectives, incorporating the principles of backward design and the use of formative and summative assessments. Uses instructional time efficiently. Evaluates student progress effectively. Utilizes correct and appropriate written and oral communication in conversations, reports and meetings. Punctual and effective supervisory duties such as dance supervision, music rehearsal supervision, morning supervision, lunch supervision, after‑school supervision (e.g., study or homework club), and curb or bus duty. Willingly uses and integrates technology into the classroom. Maintains an up‑to‑date Gradebook, Teacher Website and Lesson Plans. Articulates concepts and writes narrative reports in a timely, professional and grammatically correct manner. Participates effectively in Roundtable Student Evaluation sessions. Effectively leads parent/student/teacher conferences on a bi‑annual basis. Punctual for and actively participates in weekly grade level curriculum meetings. Fulfills additional coverage duties as requested by Administration. Teacher Evaluation Program Explanation: The teacher evaluation program is an ongoing process designed to recognize and encourage the work of a teacher. The process will provide an ongoing opportunity for professional growth and renewal, to recognize strengths and to provide an open climate for new ideas. The overall goals of the evaluation plan are to positively enhance FXW's instructional program as well as support the teacher's professional growth. This process will challenge the teacher to build on talents; to recognize and reflect upon present practices; to articulate and reflect on difficulties and seek solutions. The success of the program is predicated on the following conditions: conscientious self‑evaluation, mutual respect and trust, and confidentiality between teacher and supervisor. Three‑part process: Goal setting is an integral part of professional growth. The setting of goals every year provides the teacher and evaluator an opportunity to focus together on areas of professional growth. By the end of October, the teacher and evaluator will meet to discuss the goals. The established goals may be modified or continued at any time throughout the process by mutual agreement. In the absence of mutual agreement, the goals may be established, modified or continued at the discretion of the evaluator. There will be additional meetings to review the status of the goals throughout the year. Additionally, teachers will be informally and formally observed and evaluated each year. A performance review is a summative evaluation of the teacher's performance as evidenced by formal and informal classroom observation and goal setting. By design, it includes feedback on the areas of teacher competencies and effectiveness listed above. Areas of noted deficiency may be remediated by enacting a Plan of Intensive Assistance and the appropriate measures of further administrative review will take place. Evidence/Artifacts to support these expectations: Adheres to the mission and values of FXW School. Active involvement in professional development days. Lesson Planning. Outreach to other resources. Parent contacts. Informal/formal observations. Assessments analysis. Participation in grade‑level meetings. Community building activities. Classroom environment. Participates in extracurriculars, events, tutoring, services. Attitude and participation on staff days and in meetings. Participate in social opportunities. Flexible with changes to schedules. Fulfills routine duties and expectations in a dependable manner. Duties show up and enthusiastic and present. Narratives due on time and well written. Blogs, assessments, and feedback to parents is ongoing and updated in timely manner. Compliance FXW staff must comply with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Protecting God’s Children Requirements. Complete the required new hire paperwork and mandatory Archdiocese training. Must clear Background Check/Fingerprints. Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies. Required to attend additional training classes as designated by the Security Operations Manager / Security Lead or Security Supervisor and/or FXW administrative staff. Qualifications and Requirements A bachelor's or master's degree in education. A valid, issued State of Illinois teaching certificate is preferred. Required current State of Illinois Teaching Certificate Type 03/Type 09. A master’s degree in a curriculum area is preferred. Familiarity with ISACS criteria and standards of excellence. Ability to plan and teach effectively within the Block Scheduling model. Ability to teach courses within a Religion Curriculum – either Catholic or Interfaith in subject matter. Ability to lead a Club and/or Extra‑Curricular Activity of interest to Middle School students (e.g., yearbook, a sport, an academic team, etc.). The ability to establish collaborative relationships with co‑teacher/teaching staff. Strong interest to teach in an inclusive faith‑based school and comfortable teaching a Religion Curriculum – either Catholic or Interfaith in subject matter. Key Relationships The Teacher reports to the Campus Principal and will be supervised, evaluated, and mentored by the Principal and/or Assistant Principal. Other key relationships include campus leadership, Head of School, other teachers and administrators, staff, students and parents. Physical Requirements Middle school teachers frequently stand for extended periods while teaching, and they need to be able to walk around the classroom and maneuver in tight spaces. Teachers must be able to speak clearly and project their voice to be heard by students, as well as understand the speech of others. They need to be able to see details of objects at various distances. Teachers must be able to hear sounds and distinguish between them and focus on one source of sound while ignoring others. Teachers may need to use their fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects. The job can be physically demanding, requiring teachers to stay active and engaged throughout the day. Teachers may need to kneel, squat, or stoop, to interact with students or access materials. Teachers need to be able to adapt to different classroom environments and activities, which may involve standing, sitting, or walking. Work Environment Teachers have a high level of social interaction with students, parents, and other staff members. They must be able to manage diverse student behaviors and create a positive learning environment. Teachers communicate regularly with students, parents, and colleagues via phone, email, in‑person meetings, and written correspondence. Teachers may encounter conflict situations with students or parents, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Teachers work as part of a team with other educators and staff members. Teachers work indoors in classrooms but may also work outdoors for physical education or sports activities. Teachers must be comfortable using technology for instruction, communication, and assessment. Local travel between campuses, as necessary, to fulfill student curriculum and/or program requirements. Benefits and Compensation Compensation and Benefits FXW offers a competitive salary and robust benefits program, commensurate with experience and consistent with independent schools. Expected compensation for this role includes a salary within the range of $54,820 - $64,696. Benefits include but are not limited to: Medical Dental Vision Life & Disability (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Basic Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life & AD&D) Voluntary Benefits Financial Wellness (FSA, Commuter Benefits, 403B Retirement Savings) Wellbeing & Balance (Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Mental Health Resources) FXW encourages diversity and inclusion. If you believe you could excel in this role, please apply. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion FXW is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and values candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We encourage applicants who may not meet 100% of our requirements to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process and within the workplace to support all employees in performing the essential functions of the job. Non‑Discrimination Policy FXW will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. This policy applies to student admissions and employment. Mission Statement The Frances Xavier Warde School is a Catholic elementary school in downtown Chicago that provides an excellent academic, values‑oriented education to students of all ethnic, religious, cultural and socio‑economic backgrounds in a child‑centered urban environment. As a keystone of its diverse community, the school provides need‑based scholarships to thirty percent of its students. The Frances Xavier Warde School partners with its families, nurtures faith development for its Catholic students, and engages all its students to learn about and respect other faith traditions. The Frances Xavier Warde School uses a rigorous curriculum that enables students to grow, clarify their values, develop decision‑making skills and a sense of responsibility for themselves and the world they will inherit. #J-18808-Ljbffr Direct Jobs