Learning Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

This role requires availability through September 26, 2026, with peak season occurring during the summer months. There may be an opportunity to extend your role or join our core team as a part-time associate.

Join our seasonal team to promote the joy of learning in our stores during our Big Back to School Sale! Apply today!

A day in the store looks like this:

Are you ready to dive into the thrill of our busiest season? We’re gearing up to help our communities get back to school, and we need committed, energetic, enthusiastic team members to make it happen! If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love the buzz of a challenge, we want you on our team!  

As part of our retail team, you get to be the heartbeat of the company and provide our customers with an unforgettable experience—all in a fast-paced, fast-changing environment that allows you to showcase your people skills and develop operational expertise.   

Providing great customer service isn’t just a goal—it’s the essence of who we are. Each customer knows that walking through our doors means experiencing unbeatable service with an amazing depth of product knowledge every time they visit.  

A day on the job looks like this:  

• Contribute to achieving store and team goals while fostering customer loyalty  
• Ensure every customer feels welcome and valued from the moment they enter the store  
• Stay updated on product features and benefits to provide informed recommendations to customers  
• Handle customer concerns with empathy and efficiency, escalating complex issues to management when necessary  
• Maintain overall store cleanliness, ensuring all areas, including the sales floor, stockroom and common areas are tidy and presentable   
• Ensure shelves are well-stocked and inventory is accurately tracked  
• Process transactions accurately and efficiently  
• Assist with merchandising and store displays  
• Participate in training programs and staff meetings    
• Help onboard new employees by sharing knowledge and offering support  
• Seek feedback to improve and grow within your role and beyond 

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:  

• Previous retail experience is highly preferred  
• Experience in customer outreach and driving customer loyalty through brand awareness initiatives is preferred  
• Must be available to work through September 26, with potential extension   
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, especially during the busy back-to-school season  
• Part-time availability with a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends  
• Familiarity with cash register/POS systems is a plus  
• Occasionally required to climb a ladder  
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 50 pounds   
• Frequent bending, stooping and kneeling is required  
• Routine standing for duration of shift (up to 8 hours)  
• Must be able to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed 

And here’s our end of the bargain!

• Hourly: $15/hr starting base pay
• Generous employee discount

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRL2