Lead Teacher

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We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Arlington, you will be part of a caring, fun, dynamic group of professional teachers that thrive on providing exceptional educational experiences. You will work in an environment that values your contributions and provides you with the resources you need to apply high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs. Your experience and expertise are highly valued, your contributions are recognized, and your professional goals are supported. If you have a desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of children and parents, The Gardner School is the place for you.

The pay range for this position is $20.50-$25.00, based on experience and qualifications. We also offer full medical benefits, 401k, and discounted tuition.

The Gardner School is a state-of-the-art, educational program for young children and their families. We have a supportive environment for staff with competitive pay and benefits. Ideal candidates will have some college education and some experience with young children.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Collaboration

• Mentor and guide Assistant Teachers and peers to ensure alignment with classroom goals and The Gardner School’s values.
• Facilitate open communication and teamwork in the classroom.
• Model professionalism, positivity, and a commitment to the school’s mission and core values.
• Participate actively with peers through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.
• Offer and share ideas and materials with coworkers to enhance classroom experiences.

Child-Centered Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan, implement, and assess engaging, developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans based on observations and the developmental goals of each child, promoting physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth.
• Create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating learning environment that supports diverse learning styles.
• Align lesson plans with The Gardner School’s curriculum and learning goals.
• Introduce and implement a curriculum reflecting observations and individual goals for children.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families by providing regular updates on children’s progress and classroom activities.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences with professionalism and clear communication to discuss orientation, transitions, and development goals.
• Represent The Gardner School positively within the community, promoting its mission and values.

Operational Excellence and Compliance

• Maintain compliance with state licensing standards and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure classroom safety by adhering to health and safety protocols and supervising children effectively.
• Manage classroom schedules, attendance records, and daily documentation accurately and efficiently.
• Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive.

Effective Communication and Relationship Building

• Build trusting and collaborative relationships with children, colleagues, and parents.
• Communicate constructively and positively to guide behavior and promote social-emotional development.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Meet state licensing requirements for education and experience (Required)
• CDA or Bachelor’s degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education or related degree (preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in an Early Childhood Education setting (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 and 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)

Physical Demands:

• Frequently lifts or moves weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children and infants of 10 to 60 pounds.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear, think, communicate, concentrate, learn, and work.
• Ability to operate computer, phone, and other office equipment as needed.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Gardner School is an academically focused preschool for ages 6 Weeks to 5 Years. We have created a rich learning environment that stimulates our students’ physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We provide extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs. We have locations in 8 states and are growing. We strongly believe in a strong internal path to promotions, rewarding our amazing teachers with opportunities to gain experience within our privately-owned company. Above all, we choose faculty members who love the early childhood profession and have a strong, positive curiosity about life that sparks confidence and joy in those around.