Laboratory Schools: In-House Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Department Lab School Early Childhood 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 job provides technical support to teachers in one or more subjects. With a moderate degree of supervision, this role provides technical assistance in assessing documents and student progress, preparing lesson plans and assignments, and developing course outlines. Responsibilities Carries out lesson plan instructions from the classroom teacher, and/or create lesson plans in absence of a prepared lesson; ensure all material is covered. A commitment to diversity and inclusion work, an understanding of the importance of teacher engagement in community life, and an interest in using a variety of pedagogical approaches in the classroom is essential. Builds deep relationships with students, faculty members, and staff to foster a culture of a community. Maintains strong lines of communication with the headteacher about student progress, and go above and beyond to support and collaborate closely with teammates in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission. Additionally focuses on communication with the absent teacher at the end of each day outlining classroom accomplishments and shortcomings of the day. Creates and maintains a disciplined classroom that fosters a safe and productive learning environment while fostering a climate of respect and fairness for all students. Observes and assesses student performance. Emanates optimism, shares feedback to solve problems, reflects on how your actions impact others and take ownership of creating the culture you want to show up to each day. Provides instruction and coaching. Prepares lessons, activities, and assignments, and assesses and documents progress of those instructed. Participates in teacher training sessions and other professional development as necessary. Supports and contributes to curriculum development to enhance the program. Fulfills all teacher duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Lab School Faculty Handbook. Expands knowledge by participating in staff meetings, individual planning meetings, and/or parent-student staffings. May collaborate with teachers through classroom observation and curriculum discussions. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: ?? ??? Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree. Experience: School teaching experience. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administration to support and extend the objectives of the curriculum. 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. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover Letter (required) 3 Professional References (preferred) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Academic Affairs Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Hourly ? FLSA Status Non-Exempt ? Pay Range $19.32 - $25.00 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. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Cicero , Laboratory Schools: In-House Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood, Education / Teaching , Chicago, Illinois