Elementary Teacher Jobs in Illinois
Elementary Teacher jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, concentrated in public K-8 school districts, charter networks, and Catholic diocesan schools, with openings at every level from first-year teachers through lead and department-coordinator roles. Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora are the largest hiring markets, anchored by Chicago Public Schools, Archdiocese of Chicago schools, and Township High School District 211. The most consistently sought specialties are bilingual and dual-language instruction, special education co-teaching, and early childhood education. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Elementary Teacher JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 60+ Elementary Teacher jobs











POSITION: Bilingual / ELL Education Classroom Teacher
POSITION GUIDE: Certified Personnel
9 Months
Bargaining Unit Position
Non–Exempt
REPORTS TO: Principal
Assistant Principal
RELATES TO: District Administrators
Program Coordinator
Student Service Coordinator
Special Service Coordinator
Other faculty and staff
Parents
PTA and Community Groups
Salary and Benefits: In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of School Inspectors of School District 86, Will County, Illinois, and the Council #86 of the American Federation of Teachers- Local 604 of School District #86 found on the following link: Teachers Contract
Maximum 10 years full time Certified Teaching Experience
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR CERTIFICATION:
1. State of Illinois Professional Educator License with
a. Self-Contained General Education and/or required Endorsement for Grade Level
b. Bilingual Endorsement and/or Educator License with Stipulations (Bilingual)
2. Demonstrated capabilities in leadership, academic competence, public and community relations.
3. Fluency in the language of the target population as well as in English.
4. An understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity.
5. The familiarity of Bilingual and ESL coursework, and curricula.
6. Competent in “Best Practice” teaching methodology.
REPORTS TO:
Building Principal
Assistant Principal
Program Coordinator-ELL
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
RELATES TO:
District Administrators
Special Education Coordinators
Other faculty and staff
Parents
PTA, B-PAC and Community Groups
JOB SUMMARY: To instruct English Language Learner students in a bilingual learning environment in order to motivate, stimulate and inspire them to learn and develop the necessary skills and knowledge of the subject matter to their greatest potential.
Special Note: The Transitional Bilingual Education program provides (1) courses or subjects which a child is required by law to receive and which are required by the child's school district which shall be given in the native language of the children of limited English speaking ability who are enrolled in the program and also in English, (2) in the reading and writing of the native language of the children of limited English speaking ability who are enrolled in the program and in the oral comprehension, speaking, reading and writing of English, and (3) in the history and culture of the country, territory or geographic area which is the native land of the parents of children of limited English speaking ability who are enrolled in the program and in the history and culture of the United States. (Source: P.A. 95 793, eff. 1 1 09.)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Implement the Bilingual Education program according to state guidelines in the classroom within the objectives and policy structure of the district.
2. Direct and supervise the conduct of all students assigned in the classroom.
3. To implement all district policies as they relate to the classroom.
4. Instruct students in their native language and culture as well as in English.
5. Inspire and motivate students to achieve their potential in the learning of new skills and to absorb knowledge.
6. Encourage each child and help them to develop a sense of worth, dignity, and purpose, with an emphasis on bilingualism and biculturalism as particular educational assets.
7. Guarantee every student shall receive an equal opportunity for an education.
8. Teach English Language Arts, social science, mathematics, science, health (art, music, and P.E. when applicable) to students in a classroom, utilizing the course of study adopted by the Board of School Inspectors, and other appropriate learning activities.
9. Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student.
10. Use a variety of instructional strategies to present material to students.
11. Translate lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
12. Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
13. Evaluate students’ academic and social growth, keep appropriate records, and prepare reports as needed and required.
14. Communicate with parents through conferences and other means to discuss students’ progress and interpret the school program.
15. Identify student needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping a student solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
16. To seek assistance from or through the building principal or other support personnel to improve the instructional program or to solve specific problems.
17. Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and learning centers.
18. Maintain professional competence through in-service professional development opportunities.
19. Requisition instructional materials and supplies as required.
20. Attend all meetings as required such as faculty, bilingual department, parent-teacher conferences, etc.
21. Prepare for, conduct, and attend parent-teacher conferences as required.
22. Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities during the school day.
23. Administer group standardized tests in accordance with state and district testing protocols.
24. Participate in curriculum development programs as required.
25. Maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development.
SUPERVISORY ROLE:
Students assigned to the classroom.
Paraprofessional (if applicable)
Student Teacher
Volunteers
Hallway, lavatory, playground, bus, etc. as directed.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
1. Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
2. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.
3. Ability to compose correspondence, reports, and/or other required written materials.
4. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information.
5. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints.
6. Displays courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
1. Ability to perform basic math using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals consistent with the duties of this position.
REASONING ABILITY:
1. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
2. Ability to identify and define the problem(s), collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Maintains appropriate confidentiality.
2. Promotes a harassment-free environment.
3. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; demonstrates a commitment to teamwork.
4. Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software especially as systems are updated.
5. Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.
6. Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform duties in compliance with all district, Board, state and federal laws, methods, requirements, policies, procedures, and activities pertinent to the duties of this position.
7. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
8. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files and records.
9. Ability to meet strict deadlines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters when performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Employee experiences constant interruptions and inflexible deadlines. The noise level in this environment is quiet to moderate. Duties are performed primarily indoors and occasionally outdoors. In-district and out-of-town travel required as necessary for training and/or to carry out duties and responsibilities.
The information contained in this job description complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties performed by the individual holding this position may be assigned.
Application Procedures: Applications are considered complete when all required materials are submitted, including 1) an online application, 2) unofficial copies of all college and/or university transcripts, and 3) a list of three recent references with an email address from past or current professional employment. The District uses an online application that will be available at www.joliet86.org. All required documents should be attached to your online application.
3/6/2025
See All 60 Elementary Teacher Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Elementary Teacher JobsElementary Teacher Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Elementary Teacher Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- KinderCare Learning Companies12

- Kreyco6

- Bellwood School District 883
- Des Plaines School District 623

- Distinctive Schools2

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in elementary teacher jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Professional Educator License with an Elementary Education endorsement required
- Bachelor's degree in elementary education or a closely related field required
- Student teaching or supervised clinical practice experience in a K-8 classroom
- Ability to pass an Illinois-mandated criminal background check and fingerprinting
- Experience differentiating instruction for diverse learners including English language learners
- Proficiency with classroom technology platforms such as Google Classroom or Seesaw
Elementary Teacher Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a elementary teacher in Illinois?
You become an elementary teacher in Illinois by earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education or a related field, completing a state-approved educator preparation program, and passing the required Illinois Licensure Testing System exams, including the edTPA performance assessment. The Illinois State Board of Education issues the Professional Educator License, which requires both an Elementary Education endorsement and a student teaching practicum before you can apply.
How much do elementary teachers make in Illinois?
Elementary teachers in Illinois earn a median of about $75,320 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $47,040 for the lowest 10% to over $105,250 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire elementary teachers in Illinois?
Employers hiring elementary teachers in Illinois right now include KinderCare Learning Companies, Kreyco, and Bellwood School District 88, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's mix of large urban public districts, suburban township systems, and private Catholic school networks means openings are spread across a wide range of institution types and sizes.
Which Illinois cities have the most elementary teacher jobs?
The cities with the most elementary teacher openings in Illinois are Chicago, Bellwood, and Decatur. Chicago drives the largest share of postings through its vast public district and extensive Catholic and charter networks, while Rockford and Aurora reflect strong demand from growing suburban and mid-size urban districts that serve large, diverse student populations.
Are there remote elementary teacher jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of elementary teacher openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, classroom-based nature of most K-8 instruction. The remote openings that do exist tend to be in virtual charter schools or online tutoring and intervention programs rather than traditional district classrooms.
How can I get hired as a elementary teacher in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to Illinois school districts that run Grow Your Own teacher residency programs, which place candidates in paid classroom roles while they complete licensure requirements. Chicago Public Schools and several suburban Cook County districts partner with these programs specifically for new educators. Candidates who hold a completed Illinois educator preparation program certificate and an interim approval credential from the Illinois State Board of Education stand out even before full licensure is granted.
Where can I find and apply to elementary teacher jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to elementary teacher jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across public districts, charter schools, and private institutions. Find roles that fit your credentials and location and apply directly through each listing.
See All 60 Elementary Teacher Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Elementary Teacher Jobs