What are the responsibilities and job description for the STEAM Teacher - Sacred Heart School - Winnetka position at Sacred Heart School?
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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.
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’s 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. This position is for the 2026 - 2027 school year.
Position Overview
Sacred Heart Winnetka seeks an innovative, passionate STEM Teacher to deliver a rigorous, project-based curriculum across Grades K–8. The successful candidate will inspire students at all developmental levels, from early elementary inquiry through advanced middle school engineering, through hands-on challenges, interdisciplinary investigation, and student-driven research. This role integrates the NGSS three-dimensional learning framework in Grades K–5 with a comprehensive engineering design program in Grades 6–8, all within the context of a mission-driven Catholic school community.
Curriculum at a Glance
Grades K–5 | NGSS-Aligned Science & Engineering Instructional Design & Delivery: Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned STEM lessons for Grades K–8 that integrate NGSS three-dimensional learning (K–5) and engineering design thinking (6–8) Facilitate age-appropriate hands-on investigations including phenomenon-based labs, design-build challenges, field studies, and long-term project-based units Integrate digital tools and emerging technology including drone simulation, virtual reality (Mission ISS), Snap Circuits, KidWind kits, and AI literacy platforms Guide middle school students through a seven-step engineering design process with emphasis on iteration, documentation, and evidence-based reflection Connect outdoor and local environmental contexts to classroom learning across all grade levels
Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM education, science education, engineering, or a closely related field Valid Illinois teaching licensure appropriate to elementary and/or middle school science or technology education Demonstrated experience delivering inquiry-based or project-based STEM instruction in a K–8 setting.
- Familiarity with NGSS three-dimensional learning framework and its classroom application Proficiency with educational technology and physical computing tools (VR applications, circuit kits, coding environments)
- Strong classroom management skills across a wide developmental range, from kindergarteners to eighth graders
- Preferred: Master's degree in STEM education, instructional design, science, or engineering Experience teaching across multiple grade bands (elementary and middle school)
- Coursework or professional experience in two or more NGSS domains (Physical, Life, Earth & Space, or Engineering) Experience with aeronautics, environmental science, robotics, renewable energy, or artificial intelligence curriculum.
- Familiarity with digital portfolio platforms and standards-based grading practices
- Prior experience in an independent or Catholic school environment Collaborative and reflective practitioner committed to continuous improvement across grade levels.
- Skilled communicator able to differentiate instruction for learners from kindergarten through eighth grade.
- Culturally responsive educator who builds inclusive, equitable learning communities grounded in curiosity.
- Self-directed and organized, with ability to manage multiple long-term project-based units simultaneously.
- Enthusiastic mentor who encourages student voice, wonder, and intellectual risk-taking at every age.
Working Conditions
- Schedule: Full-time, academic year position aligned with Sacred Heart Winnetka's school calendar Environment: Dedicated STEM classroom equipped for design-build activities, lab work, and digital fabrication
Reporting
- Reports to the Academic Dean / STEM Department Lead
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 (https://www.archchicago.org/documents/70111/4987905/Benefits Summary/ddf8b594-5996-42a7-931a-e10f178df11e).
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 many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Salary : $35,686 - $62,316