Military Instructor

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Department of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) strives to be the national model of Junior ROTC programs by developing responsible cadet-leaders of character through high-quality instruction and enrichment opportunities that enable the development of life skills, aspiration, and expectation to be college and career ready.  The Department of JROTC oversees six Military Academy High Schools and thirty-three traditional JROTC programs.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the principal of the assigned school with a dotted-line to the Director of Military Instruction and Executive Director for the Department of JROTC, the Military Instructor (job summary) will set an outstanding personal example of professional, social, and personal behavior and appearance for the cadets, colleagues, and the community. The Military Instructor is responsible for JROTC cadet instruction and their achievement of the curricular requirements and learning standards of the Program of Instruction.  This role will also organize, coordinate, and direct JROTC activities in the school, counsel and mentor cadets on their military and academic performance, interpret and implement school programs, and military regulatory guidance.

The Military Instructor will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Instruct and support JROTC cadets in reaching and maintaining proficiency in military and all other applicable subjects. Seek out new and alternative instructional and motivational techniques for improved instruction.

• Conduct JROTC curriculum training in accordance with applicable law, Cadet Command regulations, and policies.

• Adhere to and/or prepare a weekly training schedule to include daily class topics, all military events, military team practice, meetings, and the uniform of the day.

• Manages the merit/demerit system for assigned classes.

• Perform administrative tasks, including maintenance of electronic student records, enrollment reports, and other student reports as required.

• Carry out logistics tasks, including preparing requisitions for items that may be necessary for classrooms and the instructional process.

• Market the JROTC program in the school and community in an effort to recruit and retain new students.  

• Assist in the development of the community relations plan using military expertise to expand the school’s outreach.

• Counsel and mentor students on their military and academic performance as members of the Corps of Cadets. Assist interested students in applying for JROTC scholarships and completing service academy applications. 

• Participate in staff meetings, school committees, and student activities.

• Interpret and/or implement school, program, and military regulatory guidance.

• Conduct risk assessment to mitigate the possibility of an accident for all activities; observe and enforce Army and school safety guidelines.

• Participate in instructor conferences and other professional development opportunities offered by the school district.  Meet or exceed continuing education requirements of the state, school district, and the specific military branch.

• Plan and coordinate cadet attendance for the annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge; Conduct training and other activities as prescribed by the camp commander.

• Facilitate and participate in JROTC marching.

• Organize, coordinate, and direct JROTC activities in the school, including adventure training, drill and academic competitions, service learning projects, awards ceremonies, military balls, and other activities.   

• Perform other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Military Instructor must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university (Must be acquired within five years of hire)

• JROTC Certification required

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of ten (10) years of service in the military

• Army National Guard Reserve (Active or Retired)

• Army Reserve (Active or Retired)

• Navy Reserve (Active or Retired)

• Marines Reserve (Active or Retired)

• Army and Other Military Branches Must Be Retired From Active Duty (20 years of service)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent instructional ability, including the ability to challenge, motivate, and positively influence students

• Maintain the ability to exhibit equitable judgment and behavior, and a positive, supportive outlook toward cadets and programs

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to lift and move boxes of curricular material and other equipment

• Ability to conduct full days of training

• Ability to work in a team setting with multiple contributors on projects

• Ability to multitask 

• Knowledge of general office machines and telephone systems

• Exhibit and maintain good moral character

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.