Job Description
Great Lakes Academy - 1st-2nd Grade Reading and Writing Teacher - 2026-27
About Great Lakes Academy
Great Lakes Academy (GLA) is a high-performing, single-site charter school in South Chicago. Core to our mission is equipping every student with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and strength of character needed to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.
Our teachers work relentlessly to close opportunity gaps, and the results are undeniable. On the 2024 Illinois Assessment of Readiness, GLA had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in ELA and Math among all elementary schools in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and South Chicago. We also ranked in the top 20% statewide for ELA growth and the top 6% for math growth.
As we look ahead to the 2026–27 school year, we are raising the bar even higher. We are seeking passionate, data-driven teachers who believe all students can achieve at the highest levels and are committed to doing the work to make that belief a reality.
Job Overview
A Great Lakes Academy Teacher will be part of a team of talented, committed teachers working to change the face of education on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Our Teachers take responsibility for the high academic achievement and character development of every child in their classrooms. All teachers in grades 1-4 are departmentalized. Our Reading & Writing Teachers teach reading and writing focused classes to one grade level.
Job Responsibilities
• Internalize and deliver lesson plans that are rigorous, relevant, and engaging, setting students up for success in high school, college, and beyond
• Lead a safe, structured, supportive classroom culture by building relationships with students, leveraging systems & routines, and consistently implementing GLA’s code of conduct
• Use academic data to inform whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction and to drive student growth and achievement
• Establish relationships with students’ families, communicating frequently and partnering in student success
• Consistently model the Great Lakes Academy Be GREAT virtues: Gratitude, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, and Truthfulness
• Collaborate with all staff members across team, grade level and subject area
• Actively participate in weekly 1:1 coaching and regular professional development (PD)
Competencies
• Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable
• Growth-oriented: Self-reflective with a growth mindset and ability to accept and implement feedback
• Responsible: Willingness to work hard, be flexible, followthrough, and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of achieving challenging goals
• Kindness: Strong relationship builder with students, families, and other staff members
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for your academic subject
• Willingness to place student achievement as highest goal
• Committed to educational equity and serving Black and Brown students on the South Side of Chicago
Job Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required
• Eligibility to work in the United States on a full-time basis
• Valid IL Professional Educator License (PEL) preferred, but not required
As an equal opportunity employer, Great Lakes Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, ****** orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law
About Great Lakes Academy
Great Lakes Academy (GLA) is a high-performing, single-site charter school in South Chicago. Core to our mission is equipping every student with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and strength of character needed to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.
Our teachers work relentlessly to close opportunity gaps, and the results are undeniable. On the 2024 Illinois Assessment of Readiness, GLA had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in ELA and Math among all elementary schools in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and South Chicago. We also ranked in the top 20% statewide for ELA growth and the top 6% for math growth.
As we look ahead to the 2026–27 school year, we are raising the bar even higher. We are seeking passionate, data-driven teachers who believe all students can achieve at the highest levels and are committed to doing the work to make that belief a reality.
Job Overview
A Great Lakes Academy Teacher will be part of a team of talented, committed teachers working to change the face of education on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Our Teachers take responsibility for the high academic achievement and character development of every child in their classrooms. All teachers in grades 1-4 are departmentalized. Our Reading & Writing Teachers teach reading and writing focused classes to one grade level.
Job Responsibilities
• Internalize and deliver lesson plans that are rigorous, relevant, and engaging, setting students up for success in high school, college, and beyond
• Lead a safe, structured, supportive classroom culture by building relationships with students, leveraging systems & routines, and consistently implementing GLA’s code of conduct
• Use academic data to inform whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction and to drive student growth and achievement
• Establish relationships with students’ families, communicating frequently and partnering in student success
• Consistently model the Great Lakes Academy Be GREAT virtues: Gratitude, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, and Truthfulness
• Collaborate with all staff members across team, grade level and subject area
• Actively participate in weekly 1:1 coaching and regular professional development (PD)
Competencies
• Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable
• Growth-oriented: Self-reflective with a growth mindset and ability to accept and implement feedback
• Responsible: Willingness to work hard, be flexible, followthrough, and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of achieving challenging goals
• Kindness: Strong relationship builder with students, families, and other staff members
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for your academic subject
• Willingness to place student achievement as highest goal
• Committed to educational equity and serving Black and Brown students on the South Side of Chicago
Job Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required
• Eligibility to work in the United States on a full-time basis
• Valid IL Professional Educator License (PEL) preferred, but not required
As an equal opportunity employer, Great Lakes Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, ****** orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The 1st-2nd Grade Reading & Writing Teacher - 2026-27 position is now open for candidates interested in the Teacher Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Teacher Jobs is a plus.