Lead Teacher

About the Role

The Gardner School is seeking a Lead Teacher to join our caring, dynamic team in a state-of-the-art facility. You’ll be part of a professional group that values your contributions, provides resources for high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs, and supports your professional goals. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and parents, this is the place for you.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Collaboration
  • Mentor and guide assistant teachers and peers to align with classroom goals and school values.
  • Facilitate open communication and teamwork in the classroom.
  • Model professionalism, positivity, and commitment to the school’s mission.
  • Collaborate with peers on curriculum planning and share ideas/materials to enhance classroom experiences.
• Child-Centered Curriculum & Instruction
  • Plan, implement, and assess engaging, developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans based on observations and individual child goals.
  • Promote physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth in a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment.
  • Align lesson plans with The Gardner School’s curriculum and learning goals.
• Parent and Community Engagement
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with families through regular updates on children’s progress.
  • Conduct professional parent-teacher conferences to discuss development goals and transitions.
  • Represent The Gardner School positively within the community.
• Operational Excellence and Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with state licensing standards and school policies.
  • Ensure classroom safety by adhering to health/safety protocols and supervising children effectively.
  • Manage classroom schedules, attendance records, and daily documentation accurately.
  • Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive.
• Effective Communication and Relationship Building
  • Build trusting relationships with children, colleagues, and parents.
  • Communicate constructively to guide behavior and promote social-emotional development.
  • Actively participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development.

Requirements

• Education Qualifications
  • Meet state licensing requirements for education and experience (required).
  • Associate’s Degree or CDA (required); BS/BA in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field (preferred).
• Experience
  • Minimum 1 year of professional experience in early childhood education (required).
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong understanding of child development principles and early childhood education best practices (required).
  • Excellent communication, leadership, time management, and organizational skills (required).
  • Ability to create and maintain a positive, engaging learning environment.
  • CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain) (required).
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship (required).
  • Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks (required).
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff (required).
• Physical Demands
  • Frequently lift, carry, or move children/infants weighing 10–60 pounds.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, hear, think, concentrate, learn, and work.
  • Operate computers, phones, and office equipment as needed.
  • Regular and reliable attendance.
  • Perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

About The Gardner School

The Gardner School is an academically focused preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. We provide a rich learning environment that stimulates physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. With locations in 8 states, we offer extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs. We prioritize internal promotions and reward teachers with opportunities to grow within our privately owned company. Faculty members are chosen for their passion for early childhood education and positive curiosity about life.