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　　Lab School Middle School

　　About the Department

　　At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nurserythrough Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Foundedin 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explorenovel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provideexcitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor,experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Labeducation. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching andpride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every gradehave access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Labcommunity benefit by partnerships and connections with the University ofChicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry,and creativity.

　　No less than scholarship, Lab\'s mission prioritizes honoring diversityand exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting ateaching and learning community where young people see aspects of theirbackgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deepsense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to fulleffect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab\'s student body are students ofcolor. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in theirhomes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated withthe University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, andthe rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwesternIndiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrateevery facet of community members\' identities, and even where wedisagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit ofcommunity.

　　Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community.We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in manydifferent disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and thewish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seekcandidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. Weprovide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration,ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positiverelationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates ofcolor, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historicallymarginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with ademonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusionpractice. 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 thatwould be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

　　Job Summary

　　The renowned University of Chicago Laboratory Schools seek a seasoned,visionary education professional and unifying community leader to serveas Principal of the Middle School (grades 6-8), effective summer 2024.Founded by John Dewey and the origin point of groundbreakingdevelopments in teaching and learning including progressive educationand Chicago Math, today the Laboratory Schools (Lab) are home to theyoungest scholars at the University of Chicago. As such, Lab provides aworld-class education to over 2200 students from Nursery-3 through 12thGrade.

　　The Middle School division provides a stimulating and supportive journeyof academic excitement, belonging and inclusivity, and social-emotionalgrowth for 465 diverse, engaged students. Each week, a Middle Schoolstudent will connect with almost a dozen teachers specializing indifferent areas, each with unique interests and styles. Our programbalances independence and challenge with the support Middle Schoolersneed, featuring overnight camping trips in grades 6 and 7, and buildingto grade 8 when students choose from a variety of elective courses andtravel to Washington, DC. Extracurricular opportunities, including sixinterscholastic athletic teams and many clubs, are important parts ofMiddle School life. Our 62 outstanding Middle School teachers, 80% ofwhom hold advanced degrees, are adept at supporting students throughthis intense period of intellectual, social, emotional, physical, andmoral growth. Their expertise and support gives students the confidenceto discuss, question, and debate. This confidence translates intocreative, expressive, vocal intellects, and serves as a strongfoundation for high school.

　　The unifying features of the Lab community, enshrined in our mission,are our commitments to scholarship, exhibiting kindness, and honoringdiversity. The Middle School takes a whole-child approach, linkingacademic support with social-emotional learning and a commitment toequity, inclusion, and belonging. Lab is invested in providing supportand resources for neurodiverse students. Our team of educators strive toprovide an experience of inclusion and belonging for teens who identifywith historically marginalized characteristics and backgrounds.

　　The division is located on Lab\'s Historic Campus, which features a19,000-volume Middle School library, 13 wet scie