PreK Teacher - St Thomas the Apostle - Hyde Park

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.

About the role

As a professional educator in a Catholic school, the Teacher acts as a representative of the Catholic Church to students, both as a role model and through assigned responsibilities. The Teacher is a ministerial employee, serving as a communicator of the Church’s message and a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago. The Teacher is directly accountable to the principal and agrees to abide by the educational policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Office of Catholic Schools, and the local school. 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.
• Serve 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:

• 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 for a Religious employee. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on factors including 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.