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. This is for the 2026 - 2027 school year.
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’ 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.
St. Helen School is currently seeking a full-time Kindergarten Teacher for the upcoming school year. Kindergarten teachers are expected to be organized, open, and positive with their students, inspiring creative and academic success. Teacher candidates should have ample experience implementing a rigorous and creative curriculum for students of different learning styles. Our curriculum uses high quality resources combined with the Illinois early learning standards that focus on the development of the whole child. By providing engaging learning experiences that promote group learning, teachers should guide students as they develop the educational and spiritual foundation necessary to enter 1st Grade.
St. Helen School is in the heart of West Town - Ukrainian Village, a vibrant community where education of elementary students is a top priority! From the moment you walk through our door, you will find a school environment grounded in faith-filled education supported by a strong parent community. At each grade level, students are encouraged to be active participants in their learning and to serve their community.
In partnership with our families, our goal is to educate the whole child in accordance with the Catholic mission. Rooted in Catholic teaching with a respect for diversity, SHS gives students opportunities to grow in their faith and understand that God is present in their lives. SHS strives to provide an inclusive, collaborative, and differentiated curriculum, instilling a strong faith foundation for our 240 students in preschool through eighth grade.
Our school is large enough to provide a wide variety of programs, yet small enough that each student receives individual attention. The dedication of our highly educated and trained faculty members makes this possible. Our teachers collaborate to support interdisciplinary learning at each grade level in Spanish, physical education, art, music, and STEM. Grade-band teams work together to implement a rigorous and inclusive vertically aligned curriculum.
Beyond the classroom, we take a comprehensive approach in students' social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth by providing a variety of service, learning, extracurricular, and athletic programs. As a result of this holistic approach, our graduates are faith-filled leaders equipped with 21st-century skills who are accepted at top-tier Chicago public and private high schools each year.
Teaching in one of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Elementary Schools is a rewarding experience for anyone who believes in the power of education and the strength of faith. As one of the largest private school systems in the nation, we are committed to our students’ success, as well as your professional and spiritual success. With a wide range of positions and school locations, we offer our teachers resources they need to succeed at our award-winning schools.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required Valid licensure, either in Illinois or out-of-state At least 1-3 years teaching experience preferred
General Responsibilities:
- Teach and act in accordance with the mission of the Catholic faith.
- Perform teaching duties for a self-contained classroom.
- Maintain a safe, orderly, and secure learning environment.
- Create unit and lesson plans for each day’s activities and subjects.
- Observe students’ behaviors and intervene when necessary to prevent disruptions.
- Collaborate with teacher aides and other support staff to maximize learning opportunities for students.
- Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and principal. Provide feedback to parents regarding their child’s progress in school.
- Maintain accurate student attendance and academic records.
- Attend required faculty and staff meetings and participate in professional development activities.
- Cooperate with the administrators and staff members in school related meetings, activities, and projects.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
As a professional educator in a Catholic school, the Teacher will:
- 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 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 many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.