First Grade Teacher - St. Vincent Ferrer School - River Forest

Job Title

Catholic School Teacher

Job Description

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.

At St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic School, we are committed to educating students in the Dominican tradition of study, prayer, service, and community. For more than eighty years, our Pre-K through 8th grade school has provided students with a strong academic and faith-based foundation in a warm and welcoming environment. Our diverse student population thrives in safe, spacious facilities that support both curricular and extracurricular opportunities. We are seeking passionate educators who are excited to become part of the SVF family and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children. Ideal candidates value collaboration, creativity, and relationship-building while fostering a positive and engaging classroom experience. Our school culture emphasizes open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect, ensuring staff members feel supported and appreciated. Teachers are encouraged to bring innovation and enthusiasm into their classrooms while working alongside caring and dedicated colleagues. At SVF, educators become part of a close-knit community that is committed to academic excellence, faith formation, and the success of every student. This is for the 2026 - 2027 school year.

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

Documentation Required

• 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 $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.

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 notice from the Department of Labor.