Lead Teacher

cuchicago; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Retirement Pension Plan

Tuition benefits for employees

Job summary

Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Lead Teacher in the Early Childhood Education Center. The Lead Teacher supports holistic development in a Christ-centered, developmentally appropriate environment.

The role collaborates with co-teachers, prepares the classroom, maintains health and safety, and documents student portfolios while aligning with DCFS, NLSA, and NAEYC standards.

Qualifications

• 1 year of early childhood experience required
• Bachelor's degree in related discipline
• Ability to support a Christ-centered educational environment

Responsibilities

• Develops the whole child spiritually, socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally
• Collaborates with co-teacher or assistant to implement curriculum
• Prepares and organizes the classroom environment for daily activities
• Maintains health and safety of the children
• Supervises university students and collaborates with professors
• Monitors small groups and free play time
• Keeps attendance records and documents portfolios
• Follows DCFS, NLSA, and NAEYC standards
• Maintains parent communication through newsletters, meetings, and events
• Participates in staff meetings and professional activities

Skills

Administrative skills

Communication skills

Computer proficiency

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Supervision

Professional development

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Tools

Job description

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Lead Teacher. This position reports directly to the Director of the Early Childhood Education Center and is located in River Forest, IL.

The Lead Teacher is responsible for supporting the physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, and emotional development of the children in the Early Childhood Education Center through a nurturing, Christ-centered, and developmentally appropriate environment.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Provides for the development of each child spiritually, socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally
• Collaborates and plans with co-teacher or assistant teacher in the implementation of the curriculum
• Prepares, cares for, and organizes the environment, including opening the classroom and making it ready for parents and children
• Maintains responsibility for the health and safety of the children
• Supervises university undergraduate and graduate students who are assigned to work and implement curriculums in the classrooms, as well as collaborate with university professors
• Monitors small groups and/or free choice play time
• Keeps daily records of attendance
• Maintains up to date portfolios on all children throughout the year as a means of assessment of learning
• Follows standards set by DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services ), NLSA (National Lutheran School Association) and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)
• Maintains appropriate contact with and support of parents/families including newsletter, conferences, parent meetings, Curriculum Night and Thanksgiving service
• Participates as a contributing member of the center's professional team in staff meetings, devotions, community activities, and professional leadership
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Skill Sets

• Strong administrative skills
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran education and Concordia University Chicago
• Computer proficiency
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to organize tasks
• Ability to supervise, work with others, and cooperate with supervisory staff at all levels
• Ability to review, understand, and apply concepts presented at conferences and/or professional literature
• Knowledge of the University's mission and vision, the College of Education goals and how the Center supports the academic programs

Minimum Experience Required

1 year of early childhood experience required

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related discipline required

Compensation and Benefits

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities–Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.