The teacher is responsible for developing and implementing grade-level Social Studies lesson plans while maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. They must also act as a representative of the Catholic Church, integrating religious teachings and doctrine into the educational experience.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and meet safe environment requirements, with state licensure preferred. A commitment to Catholic identity formation and adherence to the Archdiocese of Chicago's policies is required.
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.
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.
This position is for the 2026 - 2027 school year.
Junior High Social Studies Teacher will teach classes aligned to grade level standards. They will collaborate with teammates to utilize common resources and administer common assessments to monitor student achievement.
Essential Functions
Develops daily, weekly and unit lesson plans, in accordance with acceptable models of teaching, which consider district policies, state guidelines, school district curriculum, philosophy, subject matter requirements, student classroom composition, societal needs and available resources.
Benefits
Competitive Compensation
Benefit Programs
Plans lessons that accommodate the range of learning styles in the classroom.
Plans for individual lessons, considering effective grouping practices and instructional methods and presents subject matter to students using a variety of instructional techniques.
Plans and prepares lesson procedures for substitute teachers.
Develops interdisciplinary approaches to instruction.
Plans collaboratively with building and district staff.
Analyzes lesson presentations and anticipates when and how learning occurs through reflective practices.
Meets with appropriate specialists to adapt lesson plans when necessary to reflect inclusion for a diverse student population.
Identifies curricular skills and concepts when developing and implementing instructional plans.
Anticipates needs and demonstrates efficiency and organization when transitioning from one activity to another.
Facilitates the development of classroom rules which establish and maintain a safe and secure environment that is conducive to learning and clearly communicates expectations to students and parents.
Facilitates smooth and efficient classroom operations through organized management of materials and supplies.
Is fair and impartial when dealing with children.
Handles student-related problems and shows evidence of seeking supportive help when necessary.
Promptly communicates with the principal and/or parent when problems need supportive help.
Enforces Board policies and regulations and building procedures.
Utilizes strategies for classroom management that emphasize working relationships and cooperation and encourages students to resolve disagreements using problem-solving strategies.
Sets up the environment so that students and teachers gain mutual trust.
When disciplining a student, it does so in such a manner as to maintain the student’s dignity.
Creates a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation.
Assumes responsibility for assisting in the management of student behavior outside of the classroom (hallways, school grounds, assemblies).
Other Functions
Shows an understanding of learning theory and organizes effective learning experiences to aid students in achieving District objectives.
Identifies pupil needs and works together with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students in all areas of their development.
Identifies and communicates student performance expectations and documents the degree to which the student’s meet expectations.
Teaches utilizing curriculum materials adopted by the district as well as appropriate supplemental and teacher-made materials.
Demonstrates a variety of teaching techniques and strategies that address the multiple intelligences and learning styles.
Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Evaluates the success of lessons by determining how and to what extent students transfer and apply their knowledge base to new information.
Utilizes a variety of assessment instruments and procedures.
Uses assessment data to effectively analyze student needs and plan appropriate instruction.
Implements testing procedures in accordance with District policies and state guidelines.
Uses current technology for instruction, assessment and instructional management as available and appropriate.
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
This position has a salary range of $38,527- $68,776 for a Lay employee and $35,686 – $62,316. 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
Illinois classroom teacher demand remains steady
Illinois classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially in districts seeking candidates who can support diverse student needs and communicate clearly with families and staff. This type of role is competitive because employers often look for classroom experience plus related backgrounds such as sociology, psychology, counseling, or education, and bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Portuguese can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your resume to highlight public speaking experience and weekend availability if you have it.
