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

Archdiocese of Chicago•Lake Forest, IL

12h•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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

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
Must meet compliance with safe environment requirements
Must hold Bachelor’s degree
Must complete Catholic identity formation training
Transcripts
Resume
Teaching Licensure (PEL), if applicable/obtained
Acceptance in alternative licensure program, if applicable
Professional references

Nice To Haves

Practicing Catholic preferred, or willingness to support the mission of Catholic education
Must have valid state licensure for the grade/subject area (preferred, not required)

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
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