Northwestern Settlement
Job Title:
Lead Teacher
Location:
Chicago, IL
Organization:
Northwestern Settlement
Position Type:
Full-Time
Salary Range:
$45,000 – $50,000 annually
For over 125 years, Northwestern Settlement has provided impactful services in Chicago, enriching the lives of children and families through education, community‑building, and social support. Our Early Childhood Education program offers children a strong foundation for success in school and life, and we are seeking a compassionate and skilled Lead Teacher to lead our Head Start classroom. As a Lead Teacher you will take the lead in delivering a dynamic, engaging, and developmentally appropriate curriculum to children. You will guide the learning and development of young children while working closely with families to ensure each child’s needs are met. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans that align with Head Start Performance Standards
Lead the classroom environment, ensuring it is safe, nurturing, and conducive to learning
Monitor and document each child’s progress through regular observations, assessments, and developmental checklists
Collaborate with other teaching staff, teaching assistants, and family members to ensure individualized support for each child
Conduct parent‑teacher conferences and maintain open lines of communication with families
Supervise and mentor Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers
Ensure classroom cleanliness, safety, and compliance with all regulatory standards, including DCFS and Head Start guidelines
Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and team meetings
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
Illinois Gateways ECE/IT Credential Level 5 (or higher) required
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and best practices in early childhood education
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required
Passion for early childhood education and a commitment to supporting the holistic development of children
Compensation & Benefits Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. We offer a robust health benefits package. In addition, all staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated workspace, laptop, email, high‑speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.
Statement of Non‑Discrimination Northwestern Settlement is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic or classification protected by law.
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Lead Teacher
Location:
Chicago, IL
Organization:
Northwestern Settlement
Position Type:
Full-Time
Salary Range:
$45,000 – $50,000 annually
For over 125 years, Northwestern Settlement has provided impactful services in Chicago, enriching the lives of children and families through education, community‑building, and social support. Our Early Childhood Education program offers children a strong foundation for success in school and life, and we are seeking a compassionate and skilled Lead Teacher to lead our Head Start classroom. As a Lead Teacher you will take the lead in delivering a dynamic, engaging, and developmentally appropriate curriculum to children. You will guide the learning and development of young children while working closely with families to ensure each child’s needs are met. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans that align with Head Start Performance Standards
Lead the classroom environment, ensuring it is safe, nurturing, and conducive to learning
Monitor and document each child’s progress through regular observations, assessments, and developmental checklists
Collaborate with other teaching staff, teaching assistants, and family members to ensure individualized support for each child
Conduct parent‑teacher conferences and maintain open lines of communication with families
Supervise and mentor Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers
Ensure classroom cleanliness, safety, and compliance with all regulatory standards, including DCFS and Head Start guidelines
Participate in professional development opportunities, workshops, and team meetings
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
Illinois Gateways ECE/IT Credential Level 5 (or higher) required
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and best practices in early childhood education
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required
Passion for early childhood education and a commitment to supporting the holistic development of children
Compensation & Benefits Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. We offer a robust health benefits package. In addition, all staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated workspace, laptop, email, high‑speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.
Statement of Non‑Discrimination Northwestern Settlement is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic or classification protected by law.
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