Elementary English & Music Teacher - Fulltime
Chicago
Elementary English & Music Teacher - Fulltime
Full Time • Chicago
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Elementary English and Music Teacher
About the School
The German International School Chicago (GISC) is a private, nonprofit, bilingual IB World School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). GISC opened its doors in 2009 and is offering classes for around 200 students from Preschool through Grade 8, with plans to expand into high school in the 2025-2026 school year. As of October 2024, GISC is officially recognized as a German School Abroad (Deutsche Auslandsschule - DAS).
The German International School Chicago (GISC) is a private, nonprofit, bilingual IB World School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). GISC opened its doors in 2009 and is offering classes for around 200 students from Preschool through Grade 8, with plans to expand into high school in the 2025-2026 school year. As of October 2024, GISC is officially recognized as a German School Abroad (Deutsche Auslandsschule - DAS).
We provide students with a rigorous German-English bilingual education in a supportive and individualized environment, preparing them to succeed in an increasingly global world. Most subjects are taught in German, with English following the Common Core State Standards. Our student body is linguistically and culturally diverse, with many English Language Learners (ELL).
Job Summary
The Elementary School English & Music Teacher is responsible for providing engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction in English Language Arts and Music for students in the elementary grades. The teacher fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment, supports students' language development and creativity, and collaborates closely with colleagues to ensure a cohesive educational experience aligned with GISC’s mission and IB philosophy.
The Elementary School English & Music Teacher is responsible for providing engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction in English Language Arts and Music for students in the elementary grades. The teacher fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment, supports students' language development and creativity, and collaborates closely with colleagues to ensure a cohesive educational experience aligned with GISC’s mission and IB philosophy.
Essential Responsibilities
English Instruction
- Teach English Language Arts, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Plan and deliver lessons aligned with Common Core State Standards and IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) practices.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students requiring additional support.
- Use formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and guide instruction.
- Foster a classroom environment that promotes literacy, critical thinking, and a love of reading and writing.
Music Instruction
-
Teach general music classes that develop students’ musical knowledge, skills, and appreciation. - Introduce students to a variety of musical genres, cultures, instruments, and performance opportunities.
- Plan engaging lessons in singing, rhythm, movement, music theory, and creative expression.
- Prepare students for school performances and special events as appropriate.
- Encourage confidence, creativity, collaboration, and enjoyment through music.
General Teaching Responsibilities
-
Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. - Support students’ social-emotional growth and development.
- Collaborate with colleagues in planning interdisciplinary learning experiences when appropriate.
- Communicate effectively with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, assessment, and student progress.
- Uphold school policies and contribute positively to the school community.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, Music Education, or a related field.
- Valid teaching certification/license (or eligibility) for Elementary Education, English, and/or Music.
- Experience teaching elementary-aged students.
- Strong understanding of literacy instruction and child development.
- Ability to teach both English and Music effectively in an elementary setting.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Education, English, Music Education, or a related field.
- Experience with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
- Experience teaching English Language Learners.
- German language skills.
- Experience in a bilingual or international school setting.
Skills & Attributes
- Commitment to high academic standards and student-centered learning.
- Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm for teaching.
- Intercultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
Work Environment
- In-person teaching in a collaborative, multilingual school environment.
- Routine use of educational technology, interactive whiteboards, and digital learning tools.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and lift/move classroom materials (up to 30 lbs regularly, occasionally up to 50 lbs).
- Smoke- and drug-free workplace.
School Website: germanschoolchicago.com
Work Authorization: Candidate must be authorized to work in the US
Compensation: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience
Benefits: Include health, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401k which includes a matching program, life/disability insurance, and generous PTO, professional development opportunities
Start Date: August 17th, 2026
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@germanschoolchicago.com and ikirchenbuechler@germanschoolchicago.com
The German International School Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. It is the School’s policy to comply with all applicable national and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.
Compensation: $57,000.00 - $67,000.00 per year
About Us
Our Mission
The German International School Chicago (GISC) is an IB World School that prepares students to become well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens. We provide students with a rigorous German-English bilingual education in a supportive and individualized learning environment. GISC graduates will be prepared academically and socially to succeed in an increasingly global world.
Core Values
At the German International School Chicago, our motto is "Give Your Child the World," and we believe our unique education will provide your child with the tools to thrive in any environment around the world. Our focus as a school is represented by four distinct values, each one contributing to the success of our students throughout their lives.
Bilingual Advantage
Students at GISC are both linguistically fluent and culturally fluent. As a bilingual, international school, we encourage our young learners to engage meaningfully with a wide variety of cultures across Europe and throughout the world.
International Education
GISC's unique education is rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. We foster a strong sense of agency in our students and provide them with a deep understanding of the world around them. Our students have the skills to engage successfully with a wide variety of academic and social environments in the US, in German-speaking countries, and beyond.
Global Opportunity
At GISC, we believe that global citizenship extends beyond knowledge of other lands and peoples. Our faculty helps our student body to use their intercultural competence as the foundation for increased compassion. GISC students will leave our school with the skills to succeed and thrive anywhere in the world.
School Community
Both schoolwide and in each grade level, GISC fosters a strong sense of community. We believe that a supportive, nurturing community is the key to a learning environment in which each student knows they belong and matter.
Working at the German International School Chicago
Are you interested in working at a one-of-a-kind, dynamic bilingual IB World School in Chicago's beautiful Ravenswood neighborhood?
Our staff is just as international as our student body, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative community. Every employee at GISC is encouraged to grow through professional development and peer learning opportunities. If you are a dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented professional, we invite you to apply today!
Our staff is just as international as our student body, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative community. Every employee at GISC is encouraged to grow through professional development and peer learning opportunities. If you are a dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented professional, we invite you to apply today!
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