Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

North Lawndale College Prep

Social Studies Teacher Job Description - 10 month position

Position Summary

Social Studies Teachers at North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) play a critical role in equipping students with the analytical, historical, and civic knowledge needed to become informed, engaged citizens. They deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that fosters deep critical thinking, historical reasoning, and real-world application of social science concepts. The Social Studies Department includes African American History, U.S. History, World History, Advanced Placement courses, and other elective courses, and the successful candidate may be asked to teach any content area within the department.

As part of NLCP's commitment to academic excellence, Social Studies Teachers design engaging, data-driven, standards-aligned lessons that meet all learner needs, incorporating differentiation and targeted support to ensure all students achieve mastery. In addition to core instruction, all staff play an active role in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) intervention process, collaborating to provide targeted support that enhances student learning and fosters strong student outcomes.

Beyond the classroom, Social Studies Teachers contribute to curriculum development, participate in continuous professional learning, and collaborate with colleagues to refine instructional practices. Through high expectations, dynamic instruction, and a student-centered approach, they help cultivate a strong foundation in historical analysis, civic literacy, and social responsibility.

Reports To:

Principal or designee

Position Responsibilities Plan and Deliver Rigorous Instruction

• Design and implement engaging, standards-aligned Social Studies lessons that develop historical thinking, critical analysis, and civic literacy.
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, including inquiry-based learning, direct instruction, and primary source analysis.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, including students with disabilities and English language learners.
• Implement accommodations and modifications for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other learning needs, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare a variety of written and/or digital materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, lesson plans, substitute plans, etc.)

Support Student Growth Through MTSS

• Actively participate in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) by using data to identify students in need of additional support.
• Implement targeted interventions and collaborate with colleagues to adjust instruction based on student progress.
• Regularly assess and monitor student learning to provide timely feedback and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.

Promote College Readiness and Academic Achievement

• Maintain high academic expectations and foster a classroom environment that encourages perseverance and critical thinking.
• Integrate real-world applications and cross-disciplinary connections to help students understand the relevance of mathematics.
• Prepare students for college entrance exams and post-secondary success through skill-building and analytical reasoning.
• Communicate with students for the purpose of improving performance, work/study habits, problem solving techniques and a variety of academic and/or social/emotional issues.
• Communicate with students who have been absent for the purpose of making adjustments and accommodations for learning, assessments, and other activities.
• Lead an advisory as assigned to promote postsecondary aspirations and the social-emotional success of all students.
• Support the development and implementation of ACT Mania and other school-based initiatives to promote and support strong student outcomes

Civic Engagement and Experiential Learning

• Incorporate civic literacy and participatory democracy into instructional practices.
• Design student projects that encourage civic action, social justice engagement, and historical inquiry.
• Organize experiential learning opportunities, such as field trips to historical sites, mock trials, and local government engagement activities.

Behavior and Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a structured, positive classroom environment that supports learning.
• Implement NLCP's culture of peace, behavior expectations and restorative practices.
• Ensure student safety and effective classroom management in alignment with school policies.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and be prepared to implement them when required.

Engage in Professional Growth and Collaboration

• Participate in ongoing professional development, instructional coaching, and data-driven planning sessions.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and refine curriculum, assessments, and best teaching practices.
• Contribute to a culture of reflective practice by seeking feedback and continuously improving instructional methods.

Parental and Community Engagement

• Maintain open and culturally responsive communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
• Provide families with resources and guidance to support student learning at home.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress, strengths, and areas for growth.

Contribute to the School Community and Culture

• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a strong classroom and school culture.
• Work collaboratively with the Culture team to promote a restorative and responsive school environment.
• Teach special topic seminars that allow for creative and interdisciplinary approaches to learning.
• Uphold NLCP's mission and values by modeling NLCP's 5Ts: timely, transparent, team-oriented, trustworthy, and trauma-informed.
• Coordinate student activities such as field trips and external learning opportunities.
• Direct student teachers, educational assistants, volunteers and/or student workers as needed.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education, social sciences, or a relevant field required; Master's preferred.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator's License required (or out-of-state equivalent with eligibility for license reciprocity).
• Strong content knowledge and enthusiasm for Social Studies, particularly in historical thinking and civic engagement.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to improving the academic and personal growth of students both inside and outside the classroom.
• Proven track record of driving student achievement and closing opportunity gaps, particularly in Social Studies.
• Strong instructional skills, differentiation techniques, and data-driven decision-making.
• Maintains a strengths-based approach, demonstrating unwavering belief in students' potential and practicing boundless compassion.
• Dedicated to continuous improvement and refining instructional practices.
• Passionate about urban education and committed to advancing equitable educational opportunities for historically marginalized students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skillsGood level of proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Drive) and general computer applications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and interact with students and staff.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Some assignments may require working in outdoor conditions during travel-based learning activities.
• Frequent computer work required.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderate to loud, especially in common areas such as gyms and cafeterias.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, such as to read typed or hand written material.
• The employee is continuously interacting with students and staff.

The information contained in this job description posting is for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Compliance with all board policies, ISBE requirements, and relevant educational laws and regulations.

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