Social Studies Teacher (FMLA Leave)

Job Title: Social Studies Teacher (FMLA Leave 11-2-2026 through 01-06-2027) Summary and Purpose The Social Studies Teacher is responsible for delivering engaging, inquiry-driven, and rigorous social science instruction to high school students. This teacher fosters critical thinking, historical analysis, civic responsibility, global awareness, and media literacy, in alignment with district curriculum goals and the Illinois Social Science Learning Standards.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement standards-based curriculum and daily lesson plans across social science disciplines (e.g., U.S. History, World History, Civics, Government, Economics, Psychology, or Sociology) in accordance with Illinois Learning Standards and district policies. Incorporate inquiry-based learning, primary source analysis, and critical thinking strategies to guide students in evaluating historical evidence, constructing arguments, and analyzing multiple perspectives.

Deliver required civics and democratic process instruction, incorporating discussions of current local, national, and global events through structured civil discourse. Assess student content mastery, analytical writing, and research skills using a variety of formative and summative tools, providing timely and constructive feedback to foster academic growth.

Create a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment that encourages respectful debate, intellectual curiosity, and appreciation for diverse historical and cultural viewpoints. Collaborate regularly with Social Studies Department colleagues, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and student support teams to align curriculum, analyze student performance data, and refine instructional strategies.

Utilize multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including English Learners (EL) and students with IEPs or 504 plans. Supervise students across all instructional settings, including classrooms, media centers, and common school areas. Integrate educational technology and digital primary source archives seamlessly into instruction to enhance research, source verification, and digital literacy.

Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of attendance, grades, and student academic progress in accordance with district guidelines and deadlines. Communicate proactively and professionally with parents, guardians, and support staff regarding student performance, progress, and classroom expectations. Expectations Attend all required department meetings, schoolwide professional development, institute days, and parent-teacher conferences.

Complete all mandatory annual state and district trainings (e.g., Mandated Reporter, Faith's Law, implicit bias, CPR/AED, etc.) per district policy and Illinois law. Stay current with developments in social science pedagogy, inquiry-based teaching methodologies, state civic mandates, and instructional technology. Support and encourage student engagement in school culture, with opportunities to advise co-curricular activities (e.

g., Model UN, Youth and Government, Speech/Debate, Student Council, or academic clubs) or coach athletic programs.

Qualifications

Valid State of Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Secondary (Grades 9�12) Social Science endorsement (e.g., History, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, or Geography). Strong content knowledge in historical inquiry, social science disciplines, document-based analysis, and civic education principles.

Demonstrated ability to facilitate civil discourse and manage nuanced discussions in a diverse, team-oriented high school setting. Thorough understanding of differentiated instruction, trauma-informed practices, and equitable learning strategies for diverse student populations. Commitment to continuous professional growth, reflective practice, and the integration of innovative teaching methodologies.

Compliance Language All employees must adhere to District 218 Board Policy, administrative procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and all relevant Illinois laws, including teacher evaluation protocols under the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) and all state- mandated training requirements. Salary & Benefits Placement and step on the licensed staff salary schedule will be determined by educational degree and recognized teaching experience per the CHSD 218/IEA Professional Agreement.