Lead Teacher (Summer 2026)

Are you off for the summer and looking for a temporary teaching assignment? Join Chicago Commons for Summer 2026!

Chicago Commons is hiring for all four locations:

Guadalupano Family Center 1814 S. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60608
Paulo Freire Center 1653 W. 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60609
Taylor Center for New Experiences 1633 N. Hamlin, Chicago, IL 60647
NIA Family Center 744 N. Monticello, Chicago, IL 60624

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.)

To learn more about Chicago Commons' benefits package, please click HERE.

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Early Childhood Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Gateway IL Inft & Tdler
• Cred Level 5

Motivations

Required

• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

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.