2nd Grade Teacher - School of St. Mary - Lake Forest

Archdiocese of Chicago•Lake Forest, IL

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The School of St. Mary is seeking a dedicated and faith-filled Second Grade Teacher to join our faculty for the upcoming academic year (2026-2027). Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the School of St. Mary is committed to nurturing the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of every child. Because second grade is a sacramental year, the teacher plays an especially important role in preparing students for the reception of the sacraments while fostering a joyful and supportive learning environment. The ideal candidate will be a passionate educator who embraces the mission of Catholic education and is committed to helping students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. 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.

Requirements

Valid teaching license required.
Practicing Catholic committed to the mission and values of Catholic education, particularly in guiding students during this sacramental year.
Demonstrated experience with differentiated instruction and managing group work.
Strong classroom management skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with a teaching partner and contribute positively to a professional learning community.
Must meet compliance with safe environment requirements.
Must hold Bachelor’s degree.
Must complete Catholic identity formation training.

Nice To Haves

Elementary teaching experience preferred.
Must have valid state licensure for the grade/subject area (preferred, not required).
Practicing Catholic (preferred, required for religion teachers).

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging instruction aligned with grade-level curriculum standards.
Support students’ preparation for the sacraments and integrate Catholic values and teachings into daily classroom life.
Create a positive classroom environment that promotes respect, responsibility, and a love of learning.
Use differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
Facilitate and manage productive small-group and collaborative learning activities.
Maintain clear communication with parents and actively partner with families in supporting student growth.
Collaborate closely with a teaching partner and faculty colleagues to ensure consistency and excellence in instruction.
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.
Perform specific tasks essential to the function of the position as assigned by the principal.