4 Year Old Lead Teacher, Junior Kindergarten - School of St. Mary - Lake Forest

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate PK4 curriculum rooted in hands-on, center-based learning
• Create engaging, meaningful learning centers that promote creativity, independence, and collaboration
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners
• Foster a warm, structured classroom environment that supports positive behavior and social-emotional growth
• Collaborate closely with teaching partners to ensure a cohesive and effective classroom experience
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities
• Integrate Catholic values and teachings into daily classroom life
• Observe and assess student development and adjust instruction accordingly

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (required)
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (or ability to obtain)
• Strong understanding of child development and best practices in early childhood education
• Experience with differentiated instruction and center-based learning
• Excellent classroom management and organizational skills
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Commitment to fostering a faith-filled, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment
• Practicing Catholic preferred, or willingness to support the mission of Catholic education Why Join the School of St. Mary?
• A thriving and well-established preschool program
• Collaborative faculty and staff
• Strong sense of community rooted in faith and service
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Supportive parent community
• 1-6 student-teacher ratio

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Kathy Thompson, kthompson@schoolofstmary.org. The School of St. Mary is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and faith-filled educational community.

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)
• 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
• Professional references

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here [https://www.archchicago.org/documents/70111/4987905/Benefits+Summary/ddf8b594-5996-42a7-931a-e10f178df11e].

This position has a salary range of $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.