Description
About the Department
At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.
No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.
Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.
Job Summary
The Computer Science Department provides a developmentally aligned curriculum for students in grades 1–12. This position will focus on teaching middle and high school students (grades 6-12). Instruction takes place in dedicated Apple computer labs, which also serve as a resource for the broader school community during non-instructional hours.
Computer Science teachers deliver classroom instruction, manage lab environments and equipment, develop curriculum, and supervise students in instructional and co-curricular contexts. We are looking for team members who approach their work with optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how one's actions impact others, contribute to an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the pursuit of Lab's mission.
The anticipated start date for this position is 8/24/2026. This is a 50% position.
Responsibilities
- Develop and teach CS curriculum for middle and high school students (grades 6-12).
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of the computer science scope and sequence, grades 1-12.
- Build relationships with students and collaborate and communicate with families, other faculty, and staff in support of student learning.
- Continually refine teaching practices to ensure students receive a high-quality education.
- Advocate for the role and value of computer science education across the school community.
- Uphold responsibilities and expectations defined by the Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
- Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
- Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
- Knowledge of the distinction between digital device proficiency and deep understanding of computing principles required.
- Ability to teach computer science across middle school and high school grade levels required.
- Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
- Ability to interact with faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
- Knowledge of diversity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
- Strong knowledge of child development required.
- Analytical skills required.
- Problem-solving skills required.
- Decision-making skills required.
- Attention to detail required.
- Organizational skills required.
- Computational skills required.
- Creativity required.
- Flexibility 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.
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Educational Technology, or a related field required.
- Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field preferred.
Experience:
- Two years of teaching experience preferred.
- Experience teaching computer science at any grade level preferred.
- Curriculum development experience 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.
- The anticipated start date for this position is 8/24/2026. This is a 50% position.
Pay Range:
- Based on Experience
Required Documents:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Professional References
- When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Benefit Eligibility
- Yes
- The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
Pay Rate Type
- Salary
Pay Range
- $37,484.00 - $83,322.50
- The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Scheduled Weekly Hours
- 20
