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

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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.

The School of St. Mary, a vibrant Catholic learning community in Lake Forest, Illinois, is seeking a dedicated and nurturing Preschool Teacher for its four-year-old (PK4) program. Our preschool serves over 100 students across PK2, PK3, and PK4, offering both half-day and full-day options. We are committed to fostering the spiritual, social, emotional, and academic growth of each child in a faith-filled environment. The ideal candidate is a joyful and engaging educator who understands early childhood development and creates a classroom where young learners thrive through purposeful play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. 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, .... 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.

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.