Position Title: Elementary & Middle School English Teacher & Head of English Department
Immediate Supervisor: Head of School
Status: Full-Time, Academic Year
Classification: Exempt
Job Summary
This is a dual role combining 85% classroom teaching with 15% academic leadership as Head of the English Department. The English Department plays a central role in GISC’s mission, preparing students for academic success in both German and English. The Department Head works collaboratively with the IB Coordinators to oversee curriculum, assessment, instructional quality, and the ELL “Become Bilingual Program.” The Head of English combines deep subject knowledge with strong leadership, administrative skills, and the ability to mentor colleagues, ensuring a coherent and high-quality English curriculum across all grade levels.
Essential Responsibilities
Teaching (approx. 85%)
- Teach English Language Arts, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Plan, initiate, and guide units of study aligned with Common Core State Standards and IB (PYP/MYP) practices.
- Differentiate instruction for a diverse student body, including ELL students and those with specific learning needs.
- Use a range of assessment tools (including MAP data) to track progress, identify needs, and adjust instruction.
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment where all students feel recognized and valued.
- Actively maintain high standards of student conduct in all learning environments.
- Liaise with colleagues, the Head of School, and the Deputy Head of School regarding academic matters.
Department Head Leadership (approx. 15%)
- Lead and mentor the English Department.
- Supervise and coordinate the ELL “Become Bilingual Program.”
- Oversee curriculum development, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment from Kindergarten through Grade 8 (with future plans to expand through High School).
- Integrate IB PYP (accredited in 2017) and MYP (introduced in 2023-2024) practices into departmental planning.
- Analyze Fall and Spring MAP data to address curricular gaps and inform instructional planning.
- Oversee department-wide use of learning apps and digital tools (e.g., IXL, Reading A-Z).
- Develop and maintain assessment guidelines consistent with GISC’s Assessment Policy.
- Maintain and update the department’s scope and sequence for English skills.
- Organize book orders, manage inventory, and coordinate teaching material needs.
- Keep and update the department's information file.
- Lead regular departmental meetings focused on curriculum, assessment, and student learning.
- Promote professional growth through open dialogue, peer observations, and targeted CPD.
- Organize and occasionally lead parent information sessions about the English program.
- Support the school’s strategic initiatives and communicate department needs to leadership.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or related field.
- Valid teaching certification/license (or eligibility) for Elementary and/or Middle School English.
- Minimum 3 years’ teaching experience, preferably across both Elementary and Middle School.
- Experience with English Language Learners.
- Strong understanding of Common Core State Standards.
- Demonstrated curriculum leadership and mentoring ability.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Education, English, or related field.
- IB PYP and/or MYP teaching experience.
- Previous department head or team leadership role.
- German language skills.
- Experience in a bilingual or international school setting.
Skills & Attributes
- Commitment to high academic standards and student-centered learning.
- Strong interpersonal skills for working with students, colleagues, and parents.
- Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication abilities.
- Intercultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and openness to innovative teaching practices.
Work Environment
- In-person teaching in a collaborative, multilingual school environment.
- Routine use of educational technology, interactive whiteboards, and digital learning tools.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and lift/move classroom materials (up to 30 lbs regularly, occasionally up to 50 lbs).
- Smoke- and drug-free workplace.
About Us
Our Mission
The German International School Chicago (GISC) is an IB World School that prepares students to become well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens. We provide students with a rigorous German-English bilingual education in a supportive and individualized learning environment. GISC graduates will be prepared academically and socially to succeed in an increasingly global world.
Core Values
At the German International School Chicago, our motto is "Give Your Child the World," and we believe our unique education will provide your child with the tools to thrive in any environment around the world. Our focus as a school is represented by four distinct values, each one contributing to the success of our students throughout their lives.
Bilingual Advantage
Students at GISC are both linguistically fluent and culturally fluent. As a bilingual, international school, we encourage our young learners to engage meaningfully with a wide variety of cultures across Europe and throughout the world.
International Education
GISC's unique education is rooted in our International Baccalaureate (IB) program. We foster a strong sense of agency in our students and provide them with a deep understanding of the world around them. Our students have the skills to engage successfully with a wide variety of academic and social environments in the US, in German-speaking countries, and beyond.
Global Opportunity
At GISC, we believe that global citizenship extends beyond knowledge of other lands and peoples. Our faculty helps our student body to use their intercultural competence as the foundation for increased compassion. GISC students will leave our school with the skills to succeed and thrive anywhere in the world.
School Community
Both schoolwide and in each grade level, GISC fosters a strong sense of community. We believe that a supportive, nurturing community is the key to a learning environment in which each student knows they belong and matter.
Working at the German International School Chicago
Are you interested in working at a one-of-a-kind, dynamic bilingual IB World School in Chicago's beautiful Ravenswood neighborhood?
Our staff is just as international as our student body, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative community. Every employee at GISC is encouraged to grow through professional development and peer learning opportunities. If you are a dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented professional, we invite you to apply today!
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