Pre-School Lead Teacher - St. Thomas the Apostle - Hyde Park

Northsidecatholic; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,527 - 68,776; Full time

Job summary

Northsidecatholic seeks a Pre-School Lead Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year in Chicago. The role focuses on fostering an innovative learning environment grounded in Catholic values. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in active playful learning and a commitment to student-centered philosophy.

Responsibilities include teaching Catholic doctrine, maintaining student records, and participating in religious instruction. A Bachelor’s degree and completion of Catholic identity training are required. Salary ranges from $38,527 to $68,776.

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic preferred.
• Must complete Catholic identity formation training.
• Must have valid state licensure for the grade/subject area (preferred, not required).

Responsibilities

• Teach Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings.
• Act as a role model for students' religious formation.
• Maintain accurate student attendance and academic records.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and principal.

Skills

Strong background in Active Playful Learning

Experience in 21st Century learning

Student-centered philosophy

Religious and educational mission adherence

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Pre-School Lead Teacher - St. Thomas the Apostle - Hyde Park

The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years.

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. This is for the 2026 - 2027 school year.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced educator for our Early Childhood classroom. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Active Playful Learning, 21st Century learning and a student-centered philosophy. The ideal candidate should be excited to explore the future direction of teaching and learning in light of the evolving impact of AI and mid 21st century needs. We have a strong focus on cognitive development, team collaboration, active student learning and teacher support. We are an innovative school and constantly ask ourselves, "How can we best prepare our students for a future that we can't even imagine?" We want our school to be a supportive and fun place to work so that it will be a supportive and fun place to learn.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES

• Practicing Catholic (preferred, required for religion teachers)
• Must meet compliance with safe environment requirements
• Must hold Bachelor’s degree
• Must have valid state licensure for the grade/subject area (preferred, not required)
• Must complete Catholic identity formation training

The following documentation is required to be uploaded/submitted with the application for employment to be considered for this teacher opportunity and to determine compensation.

• Transcripts
• Resume
• Teaching Licensure (PEL), if applicable/obtained
• Acceptance in alternative licensure program, if applicable
• Professional references

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has a salary range $38,527- $68,776 for a Lay employee and $35,686 – $62,316 for a Religious employee. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.