Full Time Elementary Lead Teacher: 2026-2027 Academic Year

Teacher Job Expectations K-8th Grade
Hidaya Academy views education as encompassing the “whole child” -- i.e. the spiritual, social-emotional,
academic and physical needs of a student. It realizes that this is the only true way to prepare a child for
success in this life, and the next. We aim to be a professional, sustainable Islamic school, infused with
research-driven teachings that will weave into developing students’ mindsets on how Islam shapes their
identity and the world in which we live.

 
JOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the School Principal, teachers will provide educational
experiences for the “whole child”-- including subject-matter and skills that facilitate a child’s growth into a
mature and capable adult. Teachers will prepare and execute full teaching plans according to the school’s
requirements. Teachers will adhere to the staff code of conduct and act as excellent role models for
students. Teachers must respect the beliefs and practices of Ahl-us-Sunnah taught at Hidaya Academy.
Detailed essential functions will be made available soon.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential function satisfactorily:

• Meets and instructs assigned classes, and fulfills supervision and other assigned duties, in the
  locations and at the times designated.
• Follows the assigned curriculum and addresses the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the
  students.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity
  and interests of the students.
• Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of
  immediate supervisor.
• Guides the learning process toward student achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with
  the goals clearly communicates the objectives to the students for all their learning activities, such
  as lessons, units and projects.
• Responds to parent communication promptly and in a positive manner. In addition, provides
  progress reports as required and contacts parents and guardians when a student is at risk of not
  meeting significant goals in a timely manner.
• Encourages students to set and maintain appropriate standards of classroom and building
  behavior.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical
  limitations of the location provided, and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student
  groups involved.
• The physical environment itself should be organized and be reflective of academic and social
  emotional learning standards, as through the effective use of bulletin and white boards to post
  class agendas and schedules, learning goals, behavioral expectations and other relevant learning
  content and displays of student work.
• Strives to implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Assesses the learning of students on a regular basis, keeps records of specific progress on an individual basis and makes targeted instructional accommodations and responses, including presenting information and recommendations to the school team.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulation in a timely manner.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attends staff meetings and in-service activities as required.
• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Maintains professional relationships with students and faculty, follows the ethics of the teaching profession and promotes the welfare of students at all times.
• Some teachers may serve as department chairs, team leaders and building curriculum coordinators.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee must frequently move, stand, and lift up to 10 pounds, be able to walk up and down steps several times each day, and respond quickly physically  in the event of an emergency. 

Required and Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field (required); middle grades certificate or endorsement (preferred when teaching 6-8th)
• Two years of experience teaching or working with children in a school setting (required; experience in Islamic schools preferred)
• Valid teaching license or certification (such as the Illinois Professional Educator License – PEL, or equivalent) highly preferred
• Bilingual or dual-language skills (preferred)

Reporting Relationship:

• This position reports directly to the School Principal and works under the overall direction and supervision of the school administration.

Hiring Decision Timeline: 

• All final decisions will be made by May 2026.