Temporary Substitute Teacher for Maternity Leave Starting in November

Concordia University Chicago; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Concordia University Chicago invites applications for a Temporary Substitute Teacher for Maternity Leave beginning November 2026 for approximately 12 weeks. The ECEC Substitute Teacher handles daily tasks in place of the absent teacher and reports to the Director of the ECEC in River Forest, IL.

Responsibilities include following lesson plans, maintaining routines, supervising behavior, and ensuring health and safety while engaging children in play and learning activities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; Associates Degree or higher preferred.
• Six semester hours of Early Childhood credits.
• Experience in early childhood settings is advantageous.
• Demonstrates strong communication with students and families.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the director and reviews plans and schedules for the day.
• Maintain routines and classroom procedures and follow lesson plans.
• Oversee student behavior in-class and during out-of-class activities.
• Prepare classroom materials and assist with cleanup as listed.
• Ensure health and safety of the children.
• Engage with small groups or free play time.
• Interact professionally with students and parents.
• Adhere to school policies and procedures and standards from DCFS/NAEYC/NSLA.
• Follow supervisory guidance and maintain consistent teaching practice.

Skills

Superior communication

Lutheran Concordia advocate

Attention to detail

Team collaboration with supervisors

Education

High School Diploma

Associates Degree or higher preferred

Six semester hours in Early Childhood

Job description

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the position of Temporary Substitute Teacher for Maternity Leave beginning November of 2026 for approximately 12 weeks. ECEC Substitute Teachers are responsible for carrying out the necessary daily tasks and responsibilities in place of the Teacher whose absence is being substituted. This position is located in River Forest, IL and reports to the Director of the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC).

Responsibilities/Duties

• Reports to the director upon arrival at the school and reviews plans and schedules to be adhered to during the school day
• Maintains the established routines and procedures of the school and classroom to which assigned and follows the lesson plans provided by the absent teacher
• Assumes the responsibility for overseeing student behavior in the classroom and all out-of-class activities.
• Prepare and be involved in the physical preparations and clean-up of classroom activities as outlined in each classroom's list of duties
• Be responsible for the health and safety of the children
• Engages with small groups and/or free choice play time
• Interacts in a professional manner with students and parents
• Follows all policies, rules, and procedures to which teachers are subject and which good teaching practice dictates
• Follows standards set by DCFS (Department of Child and Family Services, NLSA (National Lutheran School Association) and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)

Skill Sets

• Superior communication skills, both verbal and written
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work with and cooperate with supervisory staff at all levels

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma required; Associates Degree or higher preferred
• Six semester hours of Early Childhood credits

Application Information

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application. 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 Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovative and Professional Programs, 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 in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more 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.

Salary: $17 - $20 per hour