Discover Music Discover Life, Inc. (DMDL) is accepting applications to establish a pool of qualified candidates for current and future Academic Instructor assignments.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis as staffing needs arise. Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview, independent contractor agreement, or assignment.
Qualified candidates may be considered for available assignments based on program needs, school location, grade level, subject-area needs, scheduling, candidate qualifications and availability, Title I funding, and other applicable program requirements.
Applicant information may remain active for up to one year from the date of application unless the posting is closed, the applicant withdraws from consideration, or DMDL requests updated application materials.
Assignments may vary by school, grade level, schedule, duration, and instructional need. Positions are part-time, in-person, and contingent upon school participation, program needs, and continued Title I funding.
Qualified educators who are committed to helping students strengthen their skills in reading and mathematics are encouraged to apply, even when an immediate assignment is not available.
About DMDL
Discover Music Discover Life, Inc. provides ESSA Title I supplementary educational services to eligible students attending participating nonpublic schools located within Chicago Public Schools District 299 boundaries.
DMDL services include supplemental instruction in reading and mathematics, academic coaching, and fine arts programming designed to support student achievement and engagement.
About the Role
Academic Instructors provide supplemental instruction in reading and mathematics to individual students and small groups based on identified academic needs.
Instruction is designed to support and maintain continuity with students’ regular classroom learning. Academic Instructors use differentiated and creative instructional approaches to address learning needs, strengthen academic skills, and promote student progress.
Student performance is monitored through ongoing assessments, observations, student work, and available standardized assessment data. Academic Instructors collaborate with classroom teachers and other appropriate stakeholders to plan instruction and communicate student progress.
Academic Instructors are assigned to participating nonpublic schools within Chicago Public Schools District 299 boundaries. Instructors must be able to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assess each student’s academic strengths and areas for improvement in reading and mathematics.
- Observe students and collaborate with teachers, principals, families, and other appropriate stakeholders to identify student needs.
- Provide differentiated instruction to individual students and small groups, with up to eight students per instructional session.
- Prepare weekly lesson plans based on identified student needs and applicable classroom curricula.
- Use appropriate instructional strategies to support students with varied needs, abilities, and approaches to learning.
- Create and update quarterly Student Service Plans for assigned students.
- Monitor student progress through assessments, observations, student work, and available standardized assessment data.
- Maintain continuity between supplemental instruction and students’ regular classroom learning.
- Maintain accurate attendance, lesson, assessment, service, and progress documentation.
- Complete required documentation on-site and within the DMDL portal.
- Communicate student progress to classroom teachers, school administrators, families, and DMDL personnel, as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with DMDL personnel and assigned school administrators and staff.
- Participate in required professional development provided by DMDL and the assigned school.
- Follow applicable DMDL, school, Title I, confidentiality, and student-safety requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field required.
- Knowledge of instructional practices in reading and mathematics.
- Classroom teaching, tutoring, intervention, or small-group instructional experience required.
- Experience working with elementary and/or secondary students preferred.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- State teaching certification preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong lesson-planning, organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with students, families, educators, administrators, and DMDL personnel.
- Ability to provide reliable, in-person services at an assigned school location.
Personal Characteristics and Attributes
The successful candidate will:
- Be creative and compassionate toward children.
- Demonstrate a firm belief that all students can learn and succeed.
- Be able to establish positive rapport with students.
- Have the desire and ability to motivate, encourage, and engage learners.
- Be dependable, professional, organized, and detail-oriented.
- Exercise good judgment and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Position Details
- Position: Academic Instructor – Reading and Mathematics
- Engagement Type: Independent Contractor
- Schedule: Part-time; varies according to the agreed assignment, school schedule, program needs, and contractor availability
- Service Delivery: In person
- Work Location: Assigned participating nonpublic school or schools located within Chicago Public Schools District 299 boundaries
- Assignment Availability: Based on program needs, school location, candidate qualifications, scheduling, availability, and Title I funding
Academic Instructors provide services at their assigned school locations and do not ordinarily report to the DMDL administrative office.
Contractors are responsible for providing reliable transportation to assigned service locations and maintaining professional practices consistent with their independent contractor agreement and applicable DMDL program requirements.
All services are part-time and in person.