K-2 Co-Teacher

Educators at The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW) are hired with the invitation and encouragement to be life-long learners. FXW will employ faculty who enjoy teaching, who are progressive and innovative in their craft, who love working with students, who are great colleagues, and who truly find joy in their profession.  We expect that an FXW faculty member possesses the necessary knowledge, teaching skills, character, and commitment to be productive members of the FXW community.  Additionally, the FXW teacher will adhere to the unique Catholic mission and interfaith values of FXW School,

At FXW, we aspire that each teacher is successful. To do so, an FXW teacher will do the following:   

• Utilize effective instructional strategies with students.  

• Be willing to grow in their profession.

• Create and manage the classroom in a positive manner, respecting the dignity of all. 

• Embrace the FXW Mission and Charisms.

• Complete annual goals and seek professional development opportunities. 

• Maintain a positive rapport with all members of the FXW community. 

• Fulfill routine duties and expectations in a dependable manner. 

Elementary Program Description 

At The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW), our kindergarten to second grade program is focused on helping young students to develop their academic, social, and emotional skills through a comprehensive curriculum approach. During these grades, we work particularly to build a strong foundation across the core content areas of reading, writing, and math.  Most importantly, our teaching focuses on creating child-centered, safe, joyful classrooms that inspire lifelong learners. There are two teachers in each kindergarten to second grade classroom to fulfill these goals while differentiating instruction in a way that is developmentally responsive to meet the needs of all learners.

Primary Function 

Operating in this two-teacher model, the kindergarten to second grade teacher is responsible for educating the whole child by providing a quality learning experience to all children in one’s classroom. Each teacher assumes full and shared responsibility for all aspects of the classroom.  The teacher responds to the needs of each individual child by developing and implementing lessons in all subject areas. The classroom teacher fosters and maintains relationships with students and families, working as partners in each child’s educational experience.

Qualifications and Requirements  

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in education.

• A valid, issued State of Illinois teaching certificate is preferred.  

• A master’s degree in a curriculum area is preferred.  

Although FXW is an Independent Catholic School, all faculty and staff comply with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Protecting God’s Children Requirements. 

A candidate must demonstrate: 

• The ability to establish collaborative relationships with co-teacher/teaching staff.  

• Strong interest to teach in an inclusive faith-based school and comfortable teaching a Religion

        Curriculum- either Catholic or Interfaith in subject matter.  

Key Relationships

 
The teacher reports to the campus principal and will be supervised, evaluated, and mentored by the principal and/or the assistant principal. Other key relationships include: the Head of School, other teachers and administrators, staff, students and parents.

Compliance 

Although FXW is an Independent Catholic School, all faculty and staff comply with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Protecting God’s Children Requirements. 

• Complete the required new hire paperwork and mandatory Archdiocese training. 

• Must clear Background Check/Fingerprints.

• Required to attend additional training classes as designated by the Campus Leadership and/or FXW administrative staff.

Physical Requirements

Standing and Movement:

Teachers frequently stand for extended periods while teaching, and they need to be able to walk around the classroom and maneuver in tight spaces.

Clear Communication:

Teachers must be able to speak clearly and project their voice to be heard by students, as well as understand the speech of others.

Visual Acuity:

They need to be able to see details of objects at various distances, including those within a few feet and those further away. 

Hearing:

Teachers must be able to hear sounds and distinguish between them and focus on one source of sound while ignoring others. 

Fine Motor Skills:

Teachers may need to use their fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects. 

Physical Stamina:

The job can be physically demanding, requiring teachers to stay active and engaged throughout the day. 

Occasional Physical Tasks:

Teachers may need to kneel, squat, or stoop, to interact with students or access materials. 

Adaptability:

Teachers need to be able to adapt to different classroom environments and activities, which may involve standing, sitting, or walking. 

Work Environment

High Social Interaction:

Teachers have a high level of social interaction with students, parents, and other staff members. 

Classroom Management:

They must be able to manage diverse student behaviors and create a positive learning environment. 

Communication:

Teachers communicate regularly with students, parents, and colleagues via phone, email, in-person meetings, and written correspondence. 

Conflict Situations:

Teachers may encounter conflict situations with students or parents, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills. 

Collaboration:

Teachers work as part of a team with other educators and staff members. 

Physical Environment:

Teachers work indoors in classrooms but may also work outdoors for physical education or sports activities. 

Technology:

Teachers must be comfortable using technology for instruction, communication, and assessment. 

Travel Requirements:

Local travel between campuses, as necessary, to fulfill student program requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

FXW offers a competitive salary and robust benefits program, commensurate with experience and consistent with independent schools.

Expected compensation for this role includes a salary within the range of $53,530 -$63,826.

Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Life & Disability

  • Short- Term Disability

  • Long-Term Disability

  • Basic Life & AD&D

  • Voluntary Life & AD&D

• Voluntary Benefits

• Financial Wellness

  • FSA

  • Commuter Benefits

  • 403B Retirement Savings

• Wellbeing & Balance

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Mental Health Resources

If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. FXW is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications?  We understand. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and welcome a chance for us to review your background. We are dedicated to building and maintaining a diversified workforce and considering a broad array of candidates with a variety of skills, workplace experiences, and backgrounds.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

FXW is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and values candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We encourage individuals who may not meet 100% of the listed requirements, but who believe they could excel in this role, to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process and within the workplace to support all employees in performing the essential functions of the job.

Non-Discrimination Policy

 It is The Frances Xavier Warde School’s goal to attract, recruit and retain exceptional faculty and staff that are inspiring, diverse and committed to the school’s mission. We support our teachers and staff by welcoming them into an environment that encourages them to excel and by maintaining a rich benefits package that helps them to flourish and grow personally and professionally.

FXW will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy applies to student admissions and employment.

We invite you to become a part of our community and FXW makes a deliberate effort to employ faculty and staff of diverse races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. No phone calls please.

Mission Statement

The Frances Xavier Warde School is a Catholic elementary school in downtown Chicago that provides an excellent academic, values-oriented education to students of all ethnic, religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in a child-centered urban environment. As a keystone of its diverse community, The Frances Xavier Warde School provides need-based scholarships to thirty percent of its students.

The Frances Xavier Warde School partners with its families, nurtures faith development for its Catholic students, and engages all its students to learn about and respect other faith traditions. The Frances Xavier Warde School uses a rigorous curriculum that enables students to grow, clarify their values, and develop decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility for themselves and the world they will inherit.