Employment

Associate Teachers, Early Childhood and Primary Grades 

Full-Time Benefits-Eligible Faculty Positions Beginning August 2024

NPES is seeking three collaborative, engaging, progressive, emotionally-attuned, and culturally-responsive Associate Teachers to assist lead teachers in classroom instruction, support differentiation through targeted work with small-groups, and care for students during lunch, recess, and other spaces. The three opportunities for the 2024-25 school year include being embedded in a Preschool-3, First Grade, or Second Grade classroom. 

Associate Teachers at NPES possess a keen understanding of the social-emotional needs of children; a passion for integrated experiential learning; an interest in authentic and meaningful collaboration with colleagues; flexibility and a growth mindset; intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn new content and skills; and strong cultural literacy, embracing work with a diverse set of learners and developing practices that support an affirming, inclusive, equitable, and just classroom and school community for all.

This is an outstanding opportunity for educators seeking experience as they begin their careers, or for those who possess the skills for this vital role but who are exploring whether education is their long-term passion. Associate Teachers at NPES do valuable work, making a difference in the education and lives of their students. They also benefit from the mentoring of outstanding lead teachers and enjoy additional opportunities for professional growth, including participation in faculty meetings, access to workshops and the opportunity to lead clubs or coach for additional pay. Benefits include health insurance, paid leave time that can be banked or cashed out at the end of a school year (unused time), and up to $2,500 per year toward graduate studies in education.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required, with preference for a degree in education or a related field (i.e., psychology, English, mathematics, science, history, etc.) 
• Experience working with children in a school, camp, club, or childcare setting 
• A love of children, with an understanding of the developmental needs of students in either the early childhood or primary years
• A strong belief in the ability of all children to learn and grow
• A growth mindset, with flexible and adaptable thinking
• A personal hunger for learning and the desire to help others do the same
• Knowledge of curricular areas being taught, with a focus on literacy, math skills, and critical, creative thinking
• Technology experience and skills that enable one to integrate technology into teaching and learning in purposeful and useful ways for students
• The presence, confidence, and ability to manage a classroom of students in a healthy and effective manner
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administration to support and extend the objectives of the curriculum
• Experience providing a nurturing, creative, challenging, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters mutual respect and age-appropriate levels of independence
• Strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills
• A commitment to contributing to an affirming, inclusive, equitable, and just community for all

Responsibilities

• Collaborates daily with the lead teacher and co-curricular colleagues on curriculum, pedagogy, and the well-being of students
• Builds a knowledge base about the curriculum and pedagogy to support the lead teacher in instruction, differentiation, Positive Discipline, the Responsive Classroom, reading, writing, critical thinking, mathematics, social studies, science, and other North Park-designed programming
• Along with the lead teacher, assesses students’ abilities and determines individualized plans based on observations, data, and insights
• Administers assessments, such as Fountas and Pinnell, to determine student achievement levels and needs
• Along with the lead teacher, practices differentiation strategies (ie: small flexible groupings, 1:1 conferencing, graphic organizers/mapping, assessing through a variety of methods, adapting expectations to make assignments more challenging, etc.)
• Attends and assists in co-curricular classes (Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish) at the discretion of the co-curricular teacher, lead teacher, and administrators 
• Supervises arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess periods as assigned
• Serves as the lead teacher for the class when the lead teacher is not present or available
• Attends curriculum nights, parent/teacher conferences, parents’ association meetings, and other school events for which faculty are present 
• Participates in on-site professional development and faculty meetings
• Has opportunities to extend hours in support of special events and programs, with additional compensation

Compensation and Benefits

• A positive, engaging, and supportive work environment that values authenticity, collaboration, well-being, gratitude, and cultural competence
• A competitive salary for Chicago-area Associate Teachers
• Access to relevant and meaningful professional development opportunities, with faculty voice in the process
• The opportunity to lead after school clubs and activities with payment via stipends
• Leadership opportunities to serve on our Diversity Action Team, Student Advocacy Team, and in other programs (i.e., service learning, basketball coaching, advisory, affinity/ally groups, yearbook, social media, etc.)
• A present, accessible, and supportive administrative team with an open-door policy and an interest in considering and implementing faculty ideas when feasible
• A comprehensive benefits package that supports our faculty and staff, including: 
• Health, dental and vision insurance, with the school contributing 90% of the premium costs
• $2500 toward graduate school coursework in fields related to work at NPES
• Paid time off (holidays, personal, and sick days), with options to bank or cash out unused days
• Short-term/long-term disability plans and life insurance provided at no cost
• 403(b) retirement program with 4% employer match
• A 10-day paid parental leave benefit
• Tuition remission (50%) for the children of employees
• Healthcare/dependent care/transportation flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Four days paid bereavement leave following the death of a close relative

About NPES

North Park Elementary School is an independent school accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) located in Chicago's North Center-Ravenswood community. NPES currently serves 239 students in Preschool through 8th Grade.

Our students grow in the context of a positive, authentic, and committed independent school community of educators who know and appreciate them, peers who care for and support them, and parents and caregivers who engage meaningfully in our community.  
NPES’ core educational beliefs

NPES’ work in diversity, equity, and inclusion

The NPES Mission

North Park Elementary School is a small school with a big impact. We educate students in our inclusive and engaging school culture, affirming, challenging, and supporting each child as they achieve their full potential as reflective learners and involved, empathetic members of their communities.

Location/Accessibility

NPES is located in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood community. We are accessible by the CTA Brown Line (the station is three blocks east of the school, on Montrose), the north-south CTA Damen Bus (#50 Bus), the east-west CTA Montrose Bus (#78), and the METRA train to both the suburbs and downtown Chicago (the Ravenswood Station is .8 miles from the school).  Ample free street parking is available within one block of the school.  The walkable community surrounding our school offers many amenities, including shopping, dining, parks and recreation.

Please submit a cover letter with resume to North Park Elementary School Office Manager Kerry Maman at maman@npeschool.org

Handyperson
Full-Time Benefits-Eligible Hourly Staff Position Beginning June 2024

NPES is looking for a reliable Handyperson to join our staff to provide daily building and grounds custodial maintenance and common repairs for the school grounds and a local church gym as needed.  The position is an adjunct to the existing contracted services for nighttime building cleaning, HVAC, elevator maintenance, and snow removal services. Reports to the school’s Director of Business and Operations.  The Handyperson provides their own tools, excluding ladders.

Responsibilities

• Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, collecting and disposing of trash on a regular schedule throughout each school day
• Room set-ups for meetings and special events and office relocations
• Repair walls, hang paintings and pictures, patch and paint walls
• Light carpentry such as installing bookshelves and adjusting doors
• Replacement of batteries and filters in toilets, soap dispensers, and filtration systems
• Replacing light bulbs, ceiling tiles, carpet tiles
• Assemble and installation of furnishings
• Clean rooftop drains and retrieve balls on the rooftop
• Grounds maintenance such as removing weeds and refilling sand in sandbox
• Assist with snow removal as needed
• Arrange and maintain the school storage garage in an orderly fashion
• Identify and report needed repairs
• Assist in diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical problems that may arise
• Identify, purchase, and transport items from stores to the school as needed
• During slow periods and days without classes, assist the Director of Business & Operations with other operational responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience as a handyperson
• Experience with hardware tools and electrical equipment
• Basic understanding of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
• Good communication skills
• Well-organized and apt in problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Ability to lift 40 pounds
• Interest in working collaboratively with a diverse group of staff
• Friendly demeanor with a desire to help
• Basic math skills
• Ability to work independently
• Good organizational skills

Compensation and Benefits

• $30 per hour with opportunities for overtime work
• A comprehensive benefits package that supports our faculty and staff, including: Health, dental and vision insurance, with the school contributing 90% of the premium costs
• A positive, engaging, and supportive work environment that values authenticity, collaboration, well-being, gratitude, and inclusion
• Paid time off (holidays, personal, and sick days), with options to bank or cash out unused daysShort-term/long-term disability plans and life insurance provided at no cost
• 403(b) retirement program with 4% employer match
• A 10-day paid parental leave benefit
• Tuition remission (50%) for the children of employees
• Healthcare/dependent care/transportation flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Four days paid bereavement leave following the death of a close relative

About NPES

North Park Elementary School is an independent school accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) located in Chicago's North Center-Ravenswood community. NPES currently serves 239 students in Preschool through 8th Grade.

Our students grow in the context of a positive, authentic, and committed independent school community of educators who know and appreciate them, peers who care for and support them, and parents and caregivers who engage meaningfully in our community.  

NPES’ core educational beliefs

NPES’ work in diversity, equity, and inclusion

The NPES Mission

North Park Elementary School is a small school with a big impact. We educate students in our inclusive and engaging school culture, affirming, challenging, and supporting each child as they achieve their full potential as reflective learners and involved, empathetic members of their communities.

Location/Accessibility

NPES is located in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood community. We are accessible by the CTA Brown Line (the station is three blocks east of the school, on Montrose), the north-south CTA Damen Bus (#50 Bus), the east-west CTA Montrose Bus (#78), and the METRA train to both the suburbs and downtown Chicago (the Ravenswood Station is .8 miles from the school).  Ample free street parking is available within one block of the school.  The walkable community surrounding our school offers many amenities, including shopping, dining, parks and recreation.

Please submit a cover letter with resume to Marshall Warren, Director of Business & Operations at warren@npeschool.org

We are seeking thoughtful, engaging, adaptable, reliable, and professional substitute teachers to work across all grade levels at NPES, a wonderful opportunity to gain experience with a variety of subject areas and age groups in a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant school community. The compensation is $20.00 per hour, or $140 for a full day, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree (in education preferred but not required)
• Teaching experience in a school setting, camp setting, or other organization with an educational aspect to its work
• A commitment to creating an affirming, inclusive, equitable, and just learning space for all students
• An understanding of the developmental needs of children at various ages and the ability to manage a classroom positively and effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and administration
• Strong cultural awareness and literacy
• Experience providing a nurturing, creative, challenging, and supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and age-appropriate levels of independence
• Strong technology, executive functioning, and communication skills (both written and oral)

If you would like to be considered for substitute teaching, please complete this application and send us your resume. You may send these documents via email to Kerry Maman.