Job description

Job Title: Religious Educator (Preschool Age Specialist)

Reports to: Director of Lifespan Religious Education (DLRE)

About First Unitarian

First Unitarian is a diverse congregation, joyously united to address personal and societal challenges with passionate action for the healing of the world. We welcome all who seek a religious home free of creeds and guided by love, reason, and conscience. We are a delightful mix of races, cultures, and beliefs; a unity in diversity. Within our diversity, there are some things that unite us. We believe in the importance of the individual’s free search for truth and meaning. We believe in every person’s inherent worth and dignity. And we believe deeply in the importance of work for justice in this world. We celebrate and affirm the active engagement of LGBTQ+ members, friends, and their families.

Our Lifespan Religious Education (LRE) program provides children, youth, and adults an opportunity to explore, reflect, and learn in a nurturing spiritual community. It offers all ages the opportunity for:

● Ethical growth – internalizing enduring values such as justice, equity, and compassion; gaining tools to act on them in everyday life.

● Social growth – connecting with peers and people of all ages on a deeper level; finding acceptance among people who see beyond the superficial.

● Spiritual growth – feeling a connection with the sacred within, among, and beyond us.

About the Position

The religious educator will serve as a stable presence in our childrens’ lives, providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment by fostering community within the classroom. This includes leading a short circle gathering for children present each Sunday morning and facilitating independent, child-initiated learning time in a curated classroom.

What’s great about the role:

● Support an exceptional and diverse cohort of caring, thoughtful, funny, sharp, talented kiddos
● Be a part of a diverse, values-driven community dedicated to supporting each other and working for justice in the world
● Help shape the work we do, bringing your experience and ideas to bear in a collaborative environment alongside a team of talented staff and volunteers
● Work in a beautiful, historic building in Hyde Park
● Flexibility to schedule your desired shifts each month

If all of that sounds good and you have some experience with elementary schoolers, this might be the role for you!

Location and Hours:

This position works in person at First Unitarian Church of Chicago on all scheduled Sundays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Additionally, religious educators are expected to schedule one hour per month for a meeting with the DLRE by Zoom or in person according to teacher preference.

Monthly schedule is negotiable with DLRE and teaching team. The ideal candidate will be available to work at least 1-2 Sundays per month in the summer and 3-4 Sundays per month during the school year.

Duties/Responsibilities:

■ Use positive classroom management skills to foster a safe and supportive environment for independent, child-led learning

■ Lead a multi-age group of up to 5 children on a given Sunday in centering circle and independent play and exploration

■ Work collaboratively with DLRE, co-teachers and/or volunteers

Required Skills/Abilities:

■ Desire to contribute positively to the community through working in this role

■ Experience working with children ages 3-6

■ Experience independently supervising groups of 4+ children

■ Strong communication and interpersonal skills; collaborative approach

■ Familiarity with child-initiated learning approach

■ Ability to work independently as well as closely with a team

■ Flexibility and readiness to experiment and grow together with a growing church

■ Comfort with using technical tools such as Google Docs, Google Slides, Zoom, Youtube

■ Basic familiarity with Unitarian Universalism and alignment with UU values

■ Desire to work in a faith-based, values-based educational environment

Desired Skills/Abilities:

● Prior classroom experience, elementary level preferred
● Prior experience facilitating child-initiated learning time
● CPR and/or first aid certification

Education and Experience:

● High School Diploma or equivalent required
● College credit hours or degree in education or related field strongly desired

Physical Requirements:

● This position also may involve work on several levels of the church building, the ability to navigate stairs and lift up to 20 lbs is required.

● A background check will be conducted.
● Proof of current COVID vaccination required.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $16.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Weekends only

COVID-19 considerations:
All Sunday attendees required to show proof of vaccination. Students and staff asked to stay home if sick or exposed. HEPA air filters in classroom. Additional ventilation measures / outdoor programming when possible. LRE staff encouraged to mask.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60637: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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