This position is located at Paulo Freire Center 1653 W. 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60609

Benefits of working with Chicago Commons:

• Located in accessible communities(Pilsen, Back of the Yards, West Humbolt Park) 
• Employer Paid Life Insurance, Employer Paid STD Insurance, Employer Paid LTD Insurance
• 403b Retirement & Savings
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Chicago Commons provides support for the entire family through our Family Hub Division.
• Break out lunch spaces that focus on (wellness and health) for our teachers!
• Pet Benefits
• Credit Union Membership
• Looking to GROW as a teacher, Chicago Commons offers individualized professional development support.Start your career with US and Grow with US!
• 7.5 hours day

At Chicago Commons, we believe the Reggio-Inspired approach to learning is one that mirrors our values. The Reggio-inspired approach to education is where children, families, and teachers work together to create a dynamic and problem-solving approach to learning. Our teachers aim to empower children to explore and learn in a unique environment that encourages child's critical thinking and creativity. 

Our early childhood program serves as the backbone for many at-risk Chicago communities, including West Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Bronzeville, and New City/Back of the Yards. High rates of poverty and limited educational and economic resources impact these neighborhoods. 

Position Summary 

The lead teacher is responsible for developing a classroom atmosphere where children can grow and develop in a safe and positive learning space. Candidates must have a passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to receive a quality education, and the ability to lead the classroom team.

Education & Certification Requirements 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

Experience & Training Requirements 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to read and write English proficiently.

• Candidates must regularly operate a word-processing system and therefore must be able to read, produce and transmit data on such a system.

Essential Job Requirements & Duties 

• Contributes to the development of the overall agency and center educational plan
• Leads classroom teams in creating an atmosphere in which children can grow and develop; develops a classroom environment that is welcoming and emphasizes the importance of the child; includes furnishings and supplies which are attractive, durable, and developmentally appropriate
• Introduces, implements, and evaluates developmentally appropriate activities for young children including the following activities: Self Image, Language/Literacy Development, Music and Movement, Social Studies, Science, Math, Art, Large/Small Motor Activities, and In-Depth Projects
• Supervises and interacts with all children’s activities
• Trains staff and prepares performance evaluations with the assistance of the Site Director
• Researches, implements, and evaluates curriculum methods and classroom management strategies
• Responsible for preparing classroom materials in advance of children’s arrival and maintaining a clean classroom environment
• Assists with the responsibility of ordering supplies needed for the program
• Recommends maintenance and repairs as needed
• Develops strong partnerships with the families
• Attends home visits and conducts parent-teacher conference assessment reviews
• Participates in Family Reviews and IFSP/IEP meetings
• Leads the implementation of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, focusing on in-depth studies and classroom explorations
• Responsible for maintaining reports on children’s growth and development for all students in the classroom
• Conducts weekly team meeting
• Attends and participates in parent meetings and in-service training
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and read English proficiently. The employee must regularly operate a word-processing system and therefore must be able to read, produce and transmit data on such a system. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range.

 Working Conditions:  

(The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed, and which create hardship for the incumbent including the frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses, and mental demands.)

Chicago Commons is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Chicago Commons provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).