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Lower School Teacher
LFCDS, founded in 1888 and located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 420 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, personal growth, and nurturing a love of learning.
Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of teaching or related experience. Coursework leading towards a graduate degree or completion of a graduate degree preferred. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with grade-level partners and the Lower School team, have in-depth knowledge and understanding of elementary education, and support the educational program by challenging and engaging students. Ideally, the candidate would
be familiar with mathematical instruction rooted in problem-solving and critical thinking, social and emotional learning, and language arts practices that reflect current research. They would also be able to facilitate differentiated lessons and provide an atmosphere in which children feel safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
Key Responsibilities:
• Establish a developmentally appropriate, positive, and safe learning environment that is conducive to learning
• Adapt the educational program to the needs of individual children with consideration for their interests, unique talents, and individual styles of learning
• Assist children as they take on leadership roles in the school community by modeling and guiding respectful and responsible behavior
• Employ a variety of differentiated instructional techniques, instructional media, and performance assessments, which guide the learning process toward curricular goals and student growth
• Use technology to promote learning, collaboration, and creativity
• Prepare professionally written communication in a timely manner with families through monthly newsletters, biannual student narrative reports, and email updates as needed
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to collaborate with colleagues
• Show enthusiasm, creativity, innovation, and the ability to manage classroom behavior
• Contribute professionally to faculty committees and pursue continual growth as an educator
• Contribute professionally to faculty committees and pursue continual growth as an educator
• Attend weekly Lower School faculty meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; a graduate degree in education is a plus.
• A minimum of two years working in elementary education or a related field
• Highly effective planning, organization, and time management skills
• Strong communication skills, both in writing and speaking
• A growth mindset and openness to feedback
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of three professional references (personal statement optional) in PDF format to the attention of Rachel Diaz, Head of Lower School, at rachel.diaz@lfcds.org with the subject line “Lower School Teacher” by Friday, May 29, 2026.
Salary Range: $53,000-$95,000 commensurate with experience with a comprehensive benefits package including tuition remission for dependents of the employee.
Mission Statement: Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing
students to navigate their path with purpose.
Core Beliefs:
Childhood is championed: We center all we do on what is best for our students, protecting and building upon the magic of these precious years.
Community is our core: Honest and respectful relationships, formed through conversation and collaboration, build trust and a sense of belonging – honoring the dignity of every person.
Curiosity is a gift: Wonder is an animating force that resides in every person and should be modeled and nurtured to stimulate self-discovery, spark innovation, and drive creativity.
We aim high: Raising expectations activates the great potential we see in every person and elicits efforts that result in individual growth and the collective success of our community.
Professional Association Memberships: NAIS, ISACS, LMAIS & INDEXLake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any
other category protected by applicable law.
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.
Schedule a tour!
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.
Schedule a tour!
