Laboratory Schools: Mandarin/Chinese Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Department

Lab School Substitute Teachers

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. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. 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 candidate will be capable of teaching lower school (3rd to 5th grade) and middle school (grades 6-8) courses. The primary language of instruction is Mandarin Chinese. The teacher will work collaboratively with colleagues across faculties and departments, as well as parents, administrators, and other members of the school staff.
Curriculum design and instruction in the World Language Department at Lab is guided by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards and best practices. To that end, candidates should have experience and/or knowledge regarding the use of the target language for learning, the design of communicative activities, the teaching of grammar as a concept and its use in context, the use of authentic cultural resources, the provision of appropriate feedback for students, and the use of backward design for curriculum design and instruction.

Responsibilities

Job Summary:

The candidate will be capable of teaching lower school (3rd to 5th grade) and middle school (grades 6-8) courses. The primary language of instruction is Mandarin Chinese. The teacher will work collaboratively with colleagues across faculties and departments, as well as parents, administrators, and other members of the school staff.

Curriculum design and instruction in the World Language Department at Lab is guided by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards and best practices. To that end, candidates should have experience and/or knowledge regarding the use of the target language for learning, the design of communicative activities, the teaching of grammar as a concept and its use in context, the use of authentic cultural resources, the provision of appropriate feedback for students, and the use of backward design for curriculum design and instruction.

Responsibilities:

• The teacher will work collaboratively with colleagues across faculties and departments, as well as parents, administrators, and other members of the school staff.

• The candidate will exhibit knowledge and competence in a broad range of pedagogical techniques and best practices in world language instruction, including the use of technology in the world language classroom.

• This is a position filling in for a teacher on maternity leave. The anticipated start date for this position is January 2026 - June 2026.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students required.

• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.

• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.

• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans and assessment tools 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 the deadlines required.

• Knowledge of technology-based instruction preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Work Experience:

Certifications:

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Education, Experience, and Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• At least two years of experience teaching World Languages in primary or secondary education required.

• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese is required.

• Fluency in English required.

• Experience developing curriculum preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• 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.

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.

Job Family

Lab School

Role Impact

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$6,036.08 - $6,403.66

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

This position is not eligible for benefits.

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.

 

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