• Type: Full-Time 10-month
• Supervisor: Judy Wahl, Head of Early Childhood
• Location: Chicago, IL, on-site
• Starting Date: August 13, 2026 

Why consider Catherine Cook School?

Cook is a vibrant and inclusive learning community where curiosity, connection, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to developing creative, collaborative problem solvers who tackle global challenges from multiple perspectives. Our dedicated faculty and staff help students from preschool through 8th grade become empowered learners and leaders.

All Cook employees are trained and supported in incorporating wellness and belonging into their work with students and adults.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) are the cornerstones upon which we build a curriculum and community.  At Cook, we commit to all community members being active learners, from our preschool students to us as adults. 

We invite you to consider how Cook will benefit from having you, along with your experiences in educating and learning, as a part of our community.  

How will this role contribute to the growth of the Cook community?

Catherine Cook School seeks a vibrant and innovative Early Childhood Teaching Assistant. Early Childhood is PS (3-year-olds), JK (4-year-olds), SK (5-year-olds). This position is vital to building warm, respectful, and supportive relationships with students and cultivating a safe and stimulating learning environment. Teacher Assistants help create the foundation for a smoothly functioning classroom team by communicating openly and honestly with the lead teacher about roles, duties, and classroom routines. 

How will I contribute and grow personally and professionally in this role?

• Growing as a life-long learner through active participation in meetings, book groups, and other professional development opportunities

• Applying skills as supported by training and protocols for proactive and responsive community building.  

• Proactively and reflectively communicating through various platforms the vision, goals, and progress of your work with both internal and external collaborators

• Proactively and reflectively communicating student learning and classroom experiences through documentation platforms (e.g., Seesaw), making learning visible to families and colleagues. 

• Growing our culture of belonging and wellness through active participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts 

• Serving as an Ambassador for our Enrollment Management and Development efforts

• Connecting with and caring for students and colleagues through weekly duties and administrative tasks 

• Employing Google and Outlook Applications for individual and team collaboration and communication 

What will the ideal candidate for this role embody?

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and proactive educator who deeply understands the nuances of early childhood development. They should embody:

• The ability to work seamlessly with a Lead Teacher while also possessing the confidence to lead the classroom independently when the Lead is away, including managing a substitute teacher's role and interactions.

• The skill to implement the Responsive Classroom approach, SEL development, and model ROARS (respect, ownership, appreciation, responsibility, and safety) values, using a respectful, kind tone that encourages students to take risks in a safe environment. 

• A proactive 'see a need, fill a need' mindset, whether that means prepping a last-minute art material or stepping in to comfort a student during a transition 

• A foundational understanding of Emergent Curriculum and Inquiry-Based Learning, with a genuine desire to learn more and share those insights with the team.

• A foundational understanding of child development, learning through play, and the whole child approach to learning.

• An eye for detail and the ability to capture students' 'aha!' moments through documentation to help inform the emergent curriculum. 

• A high level of comfort supporting students through emotions, navigating friendship dynamics, and teaching concepts like the "size of the problem" to foster independence.

• The ability to see each child’s unique strengths and ensure every student feels a deep sense of belonging within the classroom community. 

• A whole-school mindset—willing to engage with parents, participate in conferences, and act as a member of our diverse community to support student retention and family attraction.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience in Early Childhood (ages 3-6) required.

• Strong interest in furthering a career in education.

• Proven teaching and organization skills; ability to manage classroom dynamics effectively.

• Strong communication skills.

• Willingness to learn and grow professionally.

• Commitment: Ability to work the entire school year, including one required evening for Curriculum Night and optional community events.

• Schedule: Ability to fulfill the following weekly shift rotations:

• 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (1-2 days per week)

• 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (2-3 days per week)

• 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Wednesdays)

• Opportunities for after-school enrichments

What is the salary range for this position?

In compliance with IL’s Pay Transparency Act, the salary for this position is $33,000 for candidates with a Bachelor's degree or $35,000 with a Master's degree. 

Catherine Cook School is an equal-opportunity employer. We recognize that skills and insights are developed through a variety of professional and lived experiences. We seek to be more representative of the communities in which we live and who we teach.  We are intentionally seeking candidates who can demonstrate the core qualifications of this role through a combination of both non-traditional and traditional personal and professional experiences.

What else is there to know about employment at Cook?

Catherine Cook offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees. Our benefits for full-time eligible employees include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 403(b) plan

• 100% of the premium covered for Basic Life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D

• HSA, FSA, Dependent Care available

• Professional Development opportunities

• Generous paid time off

• Pet Insurance

• Identity Theft Protection

About The Catherine Cook School

Catherine Cook empowers students from preschool through eighth grade to be adaptive, confident and productive stewards of an evolving world. Our community engages with ideals of cultural competence, progressive academics, ethical literacy, and innovation designed to inspire personal excellence and compassionate leadership.

Connections working at The Catherine Cook School