First Grade Classroom Teacher - St. Nicholas of Tolentine School - West Lawn

St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, located in the vibrant West Lawn neighborhood of Chicago, is seeking a dynamic, passionate, and faith-filled teacher who loves working with children and is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of young learners. We are looking for an educator who inspires curiosity, fosters a love of learning, and creates a classroom where every child feels valued, challenged, and supported. The ideal candidate is collaborative, creative, and dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and spiritually within a nurturing Catholic school community.

About the Role

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 assigned responsibilities. The Teacher is a ministerial employee because of their role as a representative of the Church and as a communicator of the Church’s message to children. The Teacher is hired by and directly accountable to the principal, agreeing to abide by the educational policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Office of Catholic Schools, and the local school.

The Teacher cooperates with the principal and staff to provide an educational environment that promotes the ministry of Catholic education and represents the Archbishop of Chicago, effectuating his ministry of Catholic education and the religious teachings of the Catholic Church.

This position is for the 2026-2027 school year.

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.
• Know, teach, and act consistently in accordance with the religious and educational mission, philosophy, objectives, and policies 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 religious instruction, ceremonies, rituals, or other religious activities as directed by the principal.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and the principal.
• Participate in 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 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 events (including extracurricular activities) and in the general public.
• Perform specific tasks essential to the function of the position as assigned by the principal.

Requirements

• Practicing Catholic (preferred, required for religion teachers).
• Must meet compliance with safe environment requirements.
• Must hold a 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 determine compensation:

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

Pay

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

Benefits

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.