Career and Technical Education (CTE) Early Childhood Education Teacher

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 360,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission we make three commitments to our students, their families and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability and integrity. Five core principles are embedded within these commitments – high quality, rigorous instruction, talented and empowered educators, safety and support, financial stability and collective impact.

This is a high school teaching position in Early Childhood Education which is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.  The Early Childhood Education program is a series of prescribed courses for grades 10-12 that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in careers that relate to families and human needs.  Early Childhood Education delivers industry-standards based instruction that includes in-depth study of human development, pediatric diseases and disorders, and social and community services. Students develop goals, objectives, and teaching strategies to provide instruction and care for children. Students practice hands-on skills in classroom simulated environments and placements in area daycare centers.  Students develop competencies leading to postsecondary education and employment related to the human services industry. Students may be eligible to obtain certifications and internships in many of the areas of Early Childhood Education.

CTE teachers are responsible to:

• Provide rigorous and relevant instruction on pre-approved hands-on curriculum in the content area and general workplace readiness

• Integrate soft-skill instruction into competency-based content area activities

• Support students in industry relevant competitions, industry exploration activities, professional organizations and postsecondary initiatives.  

• Show evidence of project-based learning (e.g., competitions, capstone events, etc.)

• Collaborate with core content teachers on common course planning, integration and alignment

• Collaborate with school-based staff (college and career coach, counselor, etc.) and CTE Partnership Development Liaisons and Program Coordinators to identify and recommend work-ready students

• Attend all relevant professional development set by the Department of College and Career Preparation in order to provide the best educational experience possible for students, examples include:

  • Quarterly industry-focused PD sessions.

  • Industry advisory council meetings.

  • Instructional PD sessions.

  • Summer Institute sessions.

  • New teacher supports (e.g., New Teacher Center PD, CTE teacher coaching)

• Maintain and update industry certifications as required by Illinois State Board of Education and Chicago Public Schools

• Attend CPS CTE professional development sessions if working under an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Educator License with Stipulations/Career and Technical Education (ELS(CTE)) or a newly hired teacher

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Eligible to receive an ISBE Professional Education License (PEL) in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) (certificate must be in place prior to teaching) or

• Eligible to receive ISBE Educator License with Stipulations (ELS(CTE)) license in Early Childhood Education (license must be in place prior to teaching)

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree

• First Aid Certification or must be obtained within 12 months from hire date

• CPR Certification or must be obtained within 12 months from hire date

• Minimum 2,000 - 6,000 hours (3 years full-time) industry experience, e.g. daycare, pre-school or pre-K program

• First-Aid Instructor Certification

• CPR Instructor Certification

• Prior teaching experience

• Excellent planning, organization, written and verbal communication skills

• High-level problem solving skills

• Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite

• Team and detail oriented