About Intrinsic Schools

　　Intrinsic Schools is a charter network in Chicago that is implementing a revolutionary new model for public education that prepares all students for postsecondary success and world-changing endeavors. Members of our team have the chance to make an impact with students and families by leveraging great teaching and technology to personalize education for each student. 

　　In addition to personalized plans for academics, we help students learn agency, critical thinking and citizenship by focusing instruction and school culture on Empathy, Perseverance, Identity and Curiosity. This is our EPIC curriculum, which is baked into different parts of each school day and is a big part of what differentiates Intrinsic Schools. When we talk about EPIC and explain our approach, we give it as much weight as we do academics.

　　We currently run two exceptional public high schools open to all Chicago students. At our Belmont Campus, we serve students in Grades 7-12 – this is our first school, founded in 2013. At our Downtown Campus, we currently serve students in Grades 9-11 as we grow toward 9-12 – we launched this new school in Fall 2019 and will reach full enrollment in Fall 2023. Both of our schools are public schools, with enrollment that is based solely on an open lottery each spring – no tuition, entrance exams or other selective criteria. Our student demographics across both schools are 90% students of color, 86% free and reduced lunch and 19% students with disabilities.

　　Our approach is yielding strong student outcomes and is in great demand. A snapshot of our middle and high school results: 

　　Level 1+ or 1 rating from CPS every year since opening (Belmont Campus).

　　Consistently rated “Well-Organized” by UChicago Impact’s 5Essentials System.

　　Our mobility rate is very low – only 3% leave for other schools, compared to 11% district-wide.

　　Almost one third of incoming students are siblings – families choose us multiple times.

　　Our family engagement rates in the 99th percentile as we partner with families via an active Parent Advisory Council, Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee, Visioning & Design Sessions, Town Hall Meetings, and facility use and volunteer opportunities.

　　Once at full enrollment, our schools are funded entirely by public dollars – i.e., with the standard per-pupil allotment, without any private fundraising.

　　Rated ‘Advanced’ by Promise54 in their staff experience survey on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

　　85% of Belmont Middle School students choose to stay for high school. They choose Intrinsic instead of 100s of other options including selective enrollment, magnet and private high schools. 

　　Postsecondary Results

　　As we prepare our students for school and careers post-high school, our main strategies focus on exploring identity, considering different long-term options, and ‘practicing’ independent decision-making. We host regular in-person meetings with families, and through Seminar classes we focus on postsecondary planning. We link students to local professionals, and organize college and career visits and summer experiences. All Intrinsic seniors have a strong postsecondary plan – in place by May 1 of each year. 

　　Duties/Responsibilities

　　Plans, prepares and delivers lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.

　　Develops schemes of work, lesson plans and tests that are in accordance with established procedures.

　　Instructs and monitors students in the use of learning materials and equipment.

　　Uses relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction.

　　Manages student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.

　　Maintains discipline in accordance with the rules and the Student Code of Conduct

　　Provides appropriate and timely feedback on student work.

　　Encourages and monitors the progress of individual students and uses information/data to adjust teaching strategies and/or provide interventions

　　Observes and evaluates as well as maintains accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.

　　Updates all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.

　　Prepares required reports on students and activities.

　　Participates in pod, grade level, co-teaching, department, school, district and parent meetings.

　　Communicates necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress and student needs. 

　　Establishes and communicates clear objectives for all learning activities.

　　Prepares classroom for class activities.

　　Provides a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities; provides accommodations and modifications as required and/or needed

　　Assigns and grades class work, homework, tests and assignments.

　　Demonstrates preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds; employs culturally responsive teaching methods

　　Encourages parent and community involvement, obtains information for parents when requested, promptly returns phone calls and answers emails.

　　If also an advisor, leads an advisory that meets daily, executes advisory lessons, conducts 1:1 conferencing on a set cadence, and hosts SLCs 3 times per year.

　　Participate in appropriate professional activities.

　　Participates in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs and student organizations as directed.

　　Other duties as assigned.

　　Required Skills/Abilities/Education

　　B.A/B.S degree in teaching from an accredited institution OR Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Education with experience in coding

　　Illinois State certification in teaching in the appropriate subject area or currently enrolled in teacher certification program

　　At least 2-4 years of teaching experience 

　　Experience/Fluency in coding in at least one language (C++, Java, HTML)

　　A belief that ALL students can and should be engaged in computer science 

　　Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

　　Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

　　Must have proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

　　Physical Requirements:

　　Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

　　Equal Opportunity Employer

　　Intrinsic Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Intrinsic Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Intrinsic Schools has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.

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