University of Chicago·Blaine, Washington
Instruct and supervise Lower School students in language arts, math, social studies, and social-emotional skills. Collaborate with co-teachers and families to create an inclusive, constructivist learning environment focused on student growth.
Lab School Lower School Faculty: 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.
The Lower School (3rd - 5th grades) homeroom teachers receive direction and support from the Lower School Principal and administration. Build deep relationships with students, families, and staff to foster a culture of the community. Maintain strong lines of communication with families about student growth and progress, and go above and beyond to support and collaborate closely with teammates in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.
We are looking for team members who will emanate optimism, share feedback to solve problems, reflect on how your actions impact others and take ownership over creating the culture you want to show up to each day.
Quickly adapt to changing circumstances and flexible in work with students.
Interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
Analytical skills required.
Problem-solving skills required.
Decision-making skills required.
Attention to detail required.
Organizational skills required.
Computational skills required.
Creativity required.
Verbal and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills required.
Work independently and as part of a team required.
Manage stressful situations required.
Maintain confidentiality required.
Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.
• $74,968 - $166,645 annual salary.
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
$74,968.00 - $166,645.00
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.
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Union: 000- American Federation of Teachers , Local 2063
Job is Exempt
Posting Date: 2026-06-22
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. [http://www.uchicago.edu/about/non_discrimination_statement/]
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. [http://uchicago.service-now.com/services?id=services_sc_cat_item_request&sys_id=8ff79243dbe91c1029f52ad94b961946]
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.
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Market context
Washington lower school homeroom roles are typically competitive because schools look for teachers who can manage a classroom, support child development, and adapt instruction for diverse learners. For this position, a bachelor’s degree is required, a master’s in education is preferred, and experience in grades 3–5 is desired. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to inclusive curriculum experience and grade-level teaching background.