Shaded band: the middle 50% of 132 posted classroom teacher roles in Chicago, Illinois salarys. This role sits in the 25th percentile.
About the role
Pay for this role is about 18% below the Chicago, Illinois median for classroom teacher roles.
The Teacher will act as a professional educator in a Catholic school, teaching in accordance with Catholic doctrine and serving as a role model for the religious formation of students. Responsibilities include leading religious instruction, maintaining records, ensuring a safe learning environment, and participating in required professional development.
The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties.
It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States.
Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S.
Department of Education over the past 10 years.
This is for the 2026 - 2027 school year.
The Teacher is a qualified professional educator who meets the requirements to teach in a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a teacher in a Catholic school, the Teacher acts as a representative of the Catholic Church to the students, both as a role model and through the various tasks, actions and other responsibilities assigned to the Teacher. The Teacher is a ministerial employee because of the Teacher’s role as both a representative of the Church and as a communicator of the Church’s message to the children entrusted to the Church’s care.
The Teacher is hired by and is directly accountable to the principal. The Teacher agrees to abide by the educational policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Office of Catholic Schools as well as comply with the educational policies and procedures of the local school. The Teacher cooperates with the principal and staff in providing an educational environment that promotes the ministry of Catholic education. The Teacher is a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago, effectuating his ministry of Catholic education and the religious teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church at the level of the local school.
General responsibilities
As a professional educator in a Catholic school, the Teacher will
teach and act in accordance with Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church
act as a role model for the religious formation of students and as a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago and the Catholic Church in the performance of the Church’s ministry
know, teach and act consistently in accordance with the religious and educational mission, philosophy, objectives and policies and procedures of the Catholic school
complete Catholic identity formation training and other required professional development from the Archdiocese of Chicago (regardless of grade/subject area or personal faith tradition)
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
0-2 yrs
Salary
$35,686 - $68,776/yr
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Posted
Mar 13, 2026
Application
Employer website
lead and/or participate in any and all religious instruction, ceremonies, rituals or other religious activities as directed by the principal
communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, colleagues and principal
participate in any and all professional development programs required by the Archdiocese of Chicago and/or the local school/parish
perform teaching duties as assigned by the principal
attend required faculty and staff meetings
cooperate with the principal and staff members in school related meetings, activities and projects
maintain accurate student attendance and academic records
maintain a safe, orderly and secure learning and working environment
participate in the annual performance review
maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding school personnel, students and general school matters
positively represent the school/parish at all school/parish events (including extracurricular activities) and in the general public
the principal assigns specific tasks essential to the function of the position
Requirements
And preferences
Practicing Catholic (preferred, required for religion teachers)
Must meet compliance with safe environment requirements
Must hold Bachelor’s degree
Must have valid state licensure for the grade/subject area (preferred, not required)
Must complete Catholic identity formation training
The following documentation is required to be uploaded/submitted with the application for employment to be considered for this teacher opportunity and to determine compensation.
Transcripts
Resume
Teaching Licensure (PEL), if applicable/obtained
Acceptance in alternative licensure program, if applicable
This position has an annualized salary range of Lay - $38,527-$68,776 for a Lay employee and $35,686 – $62,316 for a Religious employee. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
Market context
PreK-K demand in Lake County
Early childhood teaching roles in Lake County, Illinois are often shaped by steady demand for qualified PreK-K educators who can support early literacy, classroom routines, and family communication. This role is competitive because it requires a bachelor’s degree plus Catholic identity formation training, and applicants must be prepared to serve as representatives of the Catholic Church and follow its teachings. Before applying, confirm your credentials and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time comparing the original job description.
