Master Teacher

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is hiring a full-time Master Teacher for our early learning programs. The Master Teacher provides effective instructional strategies, classroom management, assessment, evaluation, and related research for children ages 3-5, creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom climate. Responsibilities include planning, curriculum implementation, and learning experiences that develop social/emotional skills, problem solving, academic skills, and advance children’s intellectual and physical development readiness for school, while maintaining a safe and healthy environment and ensuring individual needs of the children are met in accordance with performance and outcome standards.

Salary range is $60,361.60-$69,139.20 per year depending on qualifications and certifications

• Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.
• Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state‑specific teaching licenses.

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work‑life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company‑sponsored events.

• Demonstrate and promote high‑quality teaching and learning in the classroom that fosters academic readiness.
• Build a safe, orderly, and inclusive classroom environment where children are encouraged to participate as individuals and as members of the classroom community.
• Exhibit enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with children, parents, co‑workers, administrators, and the community.
• Introduce and follow a consistent daily schedule including a balance of teacher‑ and child‑directed activities, choice time, small and large group, content, physical, and outdoor activities, effective transitions, meals, and rest periods.
• Emphasize aspects of math, literacy, and cultural diversity in all aspects of the program.
• Demonstrate competency and respect for families’ social‑cultural background by incorporating cultural, linguistic, family values and beliefs into the classroom and lesson plans.
• Incorporate rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) that supports children’s academic, intellectual, and linguistic development.
• Promote and reinforce family engagement in all aspects of the program and increase awareness through a variety of methods, ensuring parents receive adequate information about their child’s experiences through regular contacts, scheduled home visits, and parent/teacher conferences.
• Utilize fidelity measures to support the implementation of English Language Learner programs and to inform linguistic and culturally responsive practices.
• Develop a professional rapport and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom, establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities, and to share and exchange information and ideas.
• Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and retention of eligible families.
• Provide functional training and guidance to staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers assigned to the classroom.
• Maintain regular job attendance, professionalism in attire and demeanor, observe and respect issues of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices.
• Accept and perform other duties or responsibilities assigned.
• Participate in ongoing development and evaluation of the center’s goals and objectives.
• Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Support the YMCA’s mission and center operations as needed.