Located in the heart of downtown, GEMS World Academy – Chicago (GWC) enables its students and teachers to extend learning well beyond the walls of their classrooms. A core component of GWC’s student-centered, inquiry-based academic program across all grades is Field Studies, where, as the school says, “student curiosity and agency generate pathways to a deeper understanding of their local and global communities.” GWC students reap the benefits of the school’s proximity to public parks, historical monuments, and public art as well as its relationships with museums, local businesses, universities, and hospitals.
GWC currently enrolls 385 K–12 North American students and staffs 72 North American teachers to deliver three levels of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme: Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma. The school is in the accreditation process with the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
GWC’s brand new Upper School building has been designed to further embrace the entire city of Chicago as a classroom. The building features makerspaces, science labs, a rooftop athletic field, a 550-seat state-of-the-art performing arts auditorium, a multi-media theater as well as a Black Box Theater, and a two-level library overlooking the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The elegant and modern structure also boasts an IB Suite, a Genius Bar along with studios and rooms for band/orchestra, choir, dance, fitness, martial arts, drama, public speaking, and broadcast.
A growing athletic program at GWC offers competitive sports but is based on the belief that all students should try a variety of sports to push themselves and find success in areas that may be surprising. The school participates in a “no cut” league; any student who wishes to play may join a team. And the choices are many! While students in Pre-K through Grade 3 may take part in PE activities and other unique afterschool programs, Grades 4–5 may join soccer, flag football, or basketball, depending on the season. More choices open up for middle schoolers; Grades 6–8 can add to the aforementioned list volleyball, cross country, sailing, and squash. Grades 9–12 can also participate in field hockey, tennis, golf, swimming, diving, lacrosse, baseball, softball, dance team, and rowing.
GWC is interested in hiring experienced teachers, including those with a non-teaching partner. They will also consider outstanding, local veteran teachers lacking certification, those certified in non-English speaking countries, and interns. Candidates must possess an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching, but there is no age limit for certified teachers to obtain a work visa. The school says,
Join our team of over 20,000 outstanding educators world-wide, and you will be part of an advanced education environment that inspires young people . . . [to] look beyond the surface of things . . . develop a nuanced view of the world and the passion to solve global problems.
The benefits package includes a moving allowance and a retirement plan to which GWC contributes 3%. The tuition benefit is 100% for the first child and 25% for each subsequent child, with the possibility of additional financial aid. Local health insurance—with the employee paying a percentage—is provided and includes dental and life insurance. The school is committed to professional development. The GWC package allows for some good savings.
To gain access to GEMS World Academy – Chicago’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of all open positions, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here.Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
