Assistant Teacher - 1st Grade

0121 Cicero Preparatory Academy; Cicero (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional benefits

Matching 401K program

Professional development

Job summary

Great Hearts Academies seeks a K-5 Teaching Assistant Apprentice Teacher to support the lead teacher in implementing a Core Knowledge curriculum, in a classical, liberal arts, primary‑school environment.

A bachelor’s degree is not required for this role; some locations may require additional credentials or ParaPro proficiency. Employment is contingent upon background check and fingerprint clearance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Some locations (e.g. Title I schools) may require assistant teachers to have an AA, 60 hours of college credit, or be able to pass a ParaPro proficiency exam before beginning work.

Responsibilities

• Support and advance the mission of Great Hearts by contributing to a respectful, intellectually vibrant school community.
• Collaborate with teachers to support instruction, student learning, and daily classroom activities.
• Uphold school policies and promote an orderly, professional learning environment.
• Participate in faculty meetings, school events, conferences, and assigned duties.
• Pursue ongoing professional growth and a deepening knowledge of the classical tradition.

Job description

Job Description: Position Title: Assistant Teacher Apprentice Teacher Department: Instructional Location: Academy Reports To: Headmaster EEO Classification: Laborers and helpers FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly Compensation Type: Hourly Compensation Amount: N/A

Position Summary:

We are looking for life‑long learners passionate about shaping students' hearts and minds. Join Great Hearts Academies, a growing network of 49 public, open‑enrollment, tuition‑free classical schools in Phoenix (AZ), Baton Rouge (LA), Dallas/Ft. Worth (TX), and San Antonio (TX). Great Hearts currently provides over 30,000 K‑12 students with access to a high‑quality, classical liberal arts education. We believe the highest goal of education is to become good, intellectually and morally.

Distinctive benefits for Great Hearts faculty:

• Exceptional Benefits (medical, dental, vision etc.) with minimal employee cost
• Matching 401K program
• Uniquely valuable professional development offerings, from great books seminars with academy colleagues, to leadership and special education coursework/pathways, to reduced tuition graduate degree support with select partner universities

Duties and Responsibilities:

As a K-5 Teaching Assistant, you support the lead teacher in the implementation of a rich Core Knowledge curriculum. A bachelor's degree is not required for this role. As an Apprentice Teacher, you function as a second teacher in the classroom, without shouldering the burden of all planning, grading/evaluation, and parent communications Through mentorship with a Master Teacher, you learn the craft of teaching in a classical, liberal arts, primary‑school environment. Many of our Apprentice Teachers become lead teachers at either lower or upper schools (assuming a bachelor's degree).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Support and advance the mission of Great Hearts by contributing to a respectful, intellectually vibrant school community. Collaborate with teachers to support instruction, student learning, and daily classroom activities. Uphold school policies and promote an orderly, professional learning environment. Participate in faculty meetings, school events, conferences, and assigned duties. Pursue ongoing professional growth and a deepening knowledge of the classical tradition.

Required/Preferred Education:

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required. Some locations (e.g. Title I schools) may require assistant teachers to have an AA, 60 hours of college credit, or be able to pass a ParaPro proficiency exam before beginning work.

Required/Preferred Experience:

N/A

Required/Preferred Skills:

N/A

Physical Functions:

N/A

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements. Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our purpose is to cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Great Hearts Academies leads the way in classical, liberal arts education. We are a growing network of charter schools and private Christian schools, expanding in existing and new regions across Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Whether you are seeking teaching, leadership, or campus support opportunities, we have established a mission‑driven culture and emphasis on learning and growing, professionally and personally. At Great Hearts, we provide a calling to shape the future through an education that fosters human flourishing and academic excellence. We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds—inside and outside education—who bring unique perspectives and ideas to enrich our community. Through meaningful conversations and collaboration, we foster a strong, supportive cohort of educators. At Great Hearts, your passion and expertise will thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment. Learn how you can grow both in mind and heart as an employee of Great Hearts.