Bloom Community School is an independent, non-profit, private school dedicated to progressive education located in Normal, Illinois. We serve students K-8 in mixed-age classrooms using inquiry-based, student-centered learning approaches. Key to our teaching philosophy and everyday practice include a low teacher-student ratio, supporting and promoting positive social and emotional development, outdoor discovery, and community-based learning. Our accessible facilities are housed at the historic Normandy Village campus and are surrounded on all sides by public playing fields, playgrounds, and a food forest. The school is located two blocks from public transportation routes.

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OPEN POSITIONS: ​

• Middle School Educator​

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MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATOR

We are seeking an educator to join our team as a long-term substitute teacher for January-May 2025. The position involves teaching a mixed-age middle school classroom (grades 6-8) with a favorable student-to-teacher ratio. Team-teaching opportunities and teacher-mentoring in progressive education approaches will be provided.

Bloom Community School is strongly committed to fostering a diverse community of teachers and students.  We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

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Responsibilities

• Plan, teach, and co-teach 6th- to 8th-grade students using inquiry-based and project-based approaches.

• Support student social and emotional development, including guiding groups through restorative justice circles, facilitating student-driven conflict resolution, and promoting mindfulness. 

• Use a multi-sensory, structured literacy approach to teaching reading and writing. 

• Develop innovative and creative lesson plans, including plans that involve outdoor learning and community-based learning. 

• Establish and maintain an inclusive classroom environment. 

• Develop and distribute a weekly newsletter sharing information about class activities, and provide updates on classroom communication platforms.

• Work with community partners to develop out-of-classroom educational programming. 

• Coordinate with the teaching team and administrative staff on student needs, wellness, and curriculum. 

• Develop and communicate holistic student assessments with a focus on documenting and promoting student development throughout the school year.

• Assist with the coordination of school activities and events.

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Skills & Qualifications

• At least one of the following:

  • Teaching certificate or Bachelor's degree in K-8 education or, preferably, middle school endorsement/licensure.

  • Previous full-time employment teaching in progressive education schools.

• Open to learning and exploring new teaching skills and approaches, including:

○ Co-teaching and co-planning with a team.
○ Guiding student groups through restorative justice circles, facilitating student-driven conflict resolution, and promoting mindfulness.
○ Willingness to take teaching risks.

• Ability to work with students with a wide range of academic and social/emotional needs.

• Clear communicator. Must have strong communication and writing skills.

• Must be willing to participate in school governance.

• Out-of-state or out-of-country applicants are accepted.

• COVID-19 vaccination required.

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Starting Salary

• Salary meets or exceeds local private school compensation standards.

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Benefits of Teaching Environment

• Small class sizes.

• Holistic approach to education and assessment for every child utilizing a learning framework incorporating 21st-century skills. No standardized testing.

• Strong focus on teacher autonomy at every level. For example, teacher-driven approaches to curriculum, teacher assessment, student evaluations, and daily scheduling.

• Tuition waiver for children of full-time employees.
   

How to Apply
Submit your resume to info@bloomcommunityschool.org
 

Start Date

TBD in anticipation of teacher transition

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Bloom Community School is committed to attracting staff of varied backgrounds and to developing inclusive classroom communities that draw strength from a positive recognition of diversity. We value diversity in our community with regard to gender, race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, and ability.