Elementary Classroom Teacher - 1st Grade (Long-Term Substitute / Guest Educator)

District 123; Illinois; On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 seeks a certified 1st grade teacher for a long-term substitute assignment. Guest Educators with an ISBE Substitute Teaching License are eligible to apply.

The district notes a per diem structure with rates at $125 base, $130 on day 11, and $155 on day 31, with special per diem considerations for extended leaves. Assignment dates run from January 15, 2027, to May 14, 2027.

Qualifications

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate endorsement for position.
• Experience welcomed but not required.
• Strong knowledge of elementary curriculum and student learning theory.
• Effective classroom management and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in instructional technology and digital learning tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver standards-aligned instruction to elementary students.
• Monitor student progress and provide regular reports.
• Collaborate with grade-level staff, administration, and families.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Utilize technology to enhance learning, creativity, and collaboration.
• Engage in ongoing professional growth.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Technology use

Collaborative

Education

Illinois Professional Educator License

Tools

ELIS

Job description

We are seeking a certified 1st grade teacher for this long-term assignment. Guest Educators (candidates holding an ISBE Substitute Teaching License) are eligible to apply. Candidates holding ISBE Professional Educator License for Elementary Education earn 1/180th pay differential, approximately $273.00 per day for the 26-27 school year.

Assignment Start: 1/15/2027
Assignment End: 5/14/2027

Per Diem Rate Schedule

• $125.00: Base Per Diem
• $130.00: Per Diem on the 11th day (retroactive to day 1)
• $155.00: Per Diem on the 31st day (retroactive to day 1)
• 1/180th of BA Lane Step 0: Verified FMLA / Extended Leave vacancies. Certified positions covering more than 31 consecutively scheduled days for an individual teacher. Requires proper ELIS / ISBE certification.

Our Mission & Strategic Vision

Our mission is to prepare today's learners for tomorrow's world. We seek to intentionally design an environment where every student is held to high expectations and empowered to reach their full potential as productive, well-rounded humans. Driven by our strategic framework, we are committed to five key pillars of excellence:

• Academic Success: Building strong foundations for lifelong learning.
• Supportive & Safe Schools: Nurturing student well-being and security.
• A Thriving Workforce: Sustaining a dedicated and inspired team.
• Operational Excellence: Meeting evolving district needs with efficiency.
• Community Engagement: Fostering reciprocal, authentic relationships.

Our Portrait of a Graduate serves as our "north star," expanding the definition of success to include both core academic knowledge and the essential competencies our community identifies as vital for our students to leave ready for their next step within their academic journey, future work, and life. By clearly articulating these student-focused outcomes. The entire School District 123 Strategic Framework and Portrait of a Graduate can be found at: plan.d123.org.

Job Requirements

The Elementary Classroom Teacher is a building-based instructional position responsible for planning and delivering standards-aligned instruction to elementary students in an assigned grade level or subject specific classroom. The teacher creates a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment, monitors student progress, and collaborates regularly with grade-level colleagues, support staff, building administration, and parents/guardians to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of every learner. The role requires strong instructional practice, classroom management, effective use of technology, and ongoing professional growth.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical demands and working conditions required of this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role.

Job Qualifications

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate endorsement for position
• Previous teaching experience preferred but not required
• Knowledge of elementary curriculum, instructional best practices, and student learning theory
• Effective classroom management and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in instructional technology and digital learning tools

Direct Supervisor

Building Principal

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate support of the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District #123 Strategic Framework.
• Uphold the established Board of Education policies, regulations, and administrative procedures.
• Plan and implement appropriate instruction using methods and materials most appropriate for meeting District goals and objectives.
• Evaluate student progress on a regular basis and provide reports as required.
• Create a classroom and school environment that is conducive to learning and is age appropriate.
• Apply student learning theory, brain-based learning, and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
• Utilize technology to promote learning, creativity, and collaboration.
• Maintain and improve professional competence through ongoing professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records, staff information, and program documentation.
• Communicate and cooperate with colleagues, students, parents/guardians, and the community as needed to meet professional standards.
• Participate in meetings and perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Building Principal or designee in accordance with the Board of Education.
• Utilize time management techniques to organize and prioritize work.
• Regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

Physical Demands

The following physical demands are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods throughout the school day.
• Ability to move around the classroom, building, and playground to actively supervise students.
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend, stoop, and reach to interact with students and access materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Visual, hearing, and verbal communication abilities sufficient to instruct students, monitor behavior, and communicate with staff and parents/guardians.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including evacuating the building and assisting students during drills or actual events.

Terms of Employment

Status: Temporary / Substitute / Guest Employee

The School Board of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment.