Laboratory Schools: Writer's Center Specialist

Department

Lab School High School

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 Laboratory Schools seek the finest employees who have a desire to inspire a love of learning in our students, and we employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines. We have a long history of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work. We continue to build on this work and seek out employees who also share this commitment to one of our core values. We are committed to making sure that Lab is a great place to work, and our connection to the University of Chicago provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

The Writer’s Center Specialist reports to the High School Principal and is responsible to the Writer’s Center Director, a member of the English faculty. The Writer’s Center Specialist will work one-on-one with students who drop in or sign up for an appointment, or with small groups of students working on a common assignment. This is a 10-month position that does not work during the summer months.

Responsibilities

• Assists students with writing tasks across all discipline areas, including helping students understand steps of the writing process, identifying aspects of their written composition that need development or improvement, and coaching students in how to write more effectively. 

• Guides seniors through a reflective, process-oriented approach to college application essay writing, and maintains effective communication with college counselors. 

• Manages the Center’s sign up, writes brief reports to the students’ teachers outlining the outcomes of the tutoring session, and maintains effective communication with high school faculty about the expectations for written assignments. 

• Assists teachers with aspects of the academic program. Instructs and provides counseling to students.

• Participates in staff meetings, individual planning meetings, and parent-student staffings.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in English or a related field (ie. comparative literature, humanities).

 

Experience:  

• Teaching or tutoring high school students. 

• Developing writing curriculum or demonstrated interest in writing pedagogy.

• Working with a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language, and nationality. 

Preferred Competencies

• Strong knowledge of effective writing.

• Knowledge of instructional methodologies.

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

• Analytical skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Decision-making skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organizational skills.

• Computational skills.

• Creativity.

• Flexibility.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to manage stressful situations.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Ability to carry or lift loads of up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to sit for up to 2 hours.

• Ability to use computers extensively for 2 hours to 4 hours.

• Ability to stand for up to 2 hours.

• Ability to use Standard Office Equipment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (required)

• Professional References (required)

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

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

$39,987.20 - $51,750.00

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.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.