Pre K Lead Teacher

FirstLine Schools: PREK TEACHER
Reports to: School Principal/Assistant Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full Time

Position Summary:

FirstLine Schools is seeking talented, passionate PreK Teachers for our PreK–8 schools. We evaluate and develop PreK teachers using the CLASS® Pre-K (Classroom Assessment Scoring System®), a research-based tool that measures teacher–child interactions across three domains: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support — scored on a 7-point scale across ten dimensions. Coaching, observation debriefs, and professional development are all organized around CLASS. Teachers are responsible for implementing the PreK curriculum with fidelity, growing their CLASS-measured practice, and partnering with families to support every child.

Position Responsibilities:

Instructional Support & Classroom Organization

• Designs and delivers play-based, project-based lessons aligned to Louisiana’s ELDS and PreK benchmarks using varied formats — small group, large group, and centers (CLASS: Instructional Learning Formats)
• Implements the school’s PreK curriculum with fidelity; promotes analysis, reasoning, creativity, and real-world connections over rote instruction (CLASS: Concept Development)
• Provides scaffolded feedback through open-ended questioning and extension that deepens children’s thinking (CLASS: Quality of Feedback)
• Builds vocabulary and language through rich conversation, self-talk, open-ended questions, and repetition and extension of children’s utterances throughout the day (CLASS: Language Modeling)
• Maintains predictable daily schedules, smooth transitions, and well-designed learning centers to maximize time on learning (CLASS: Productivity)

Emotional Support & Classroom Organization

• Creates a warm, joyful, and emotionally safe community where children feel connected and enthusiastic; demonstrates genuine care throughout every interaction (CLASS: Positive Climate)
• Uses proactive, positive guidance and calm redirection to prevent and address misbehavior; employs only permitted strategies under Bulletin 137 §1509.A.8 (CLASS: Behavior Management / Negative Climate)
• Responds consistently to children’s academic and emotional needs with comfort, reassurance, and encouragement (CLASS: Teacher Sensitivity)
• Centers children’s interests and points of view in planning; offers meaningful choice and autonomy in learning activities (CLASS: Regard for Child Perspectives)
• Maintains minimum child-to-staff ratios at all times (Bulletin 137 §1711)

Professional Responsibilities

• Communicates regularly with families; participates in school-wide events, duty rotations, and meetings
• Maintains accurate student records, attendance logs, and cumulative files (Bulletin 137 §1507, §1515)
• Actively engages in CLASS coaching cycles: receives dimension-specific post-observation feedback, sets growth goals, and applies targeted strategies between observations
• Completes LDE Key Orientation Training Modules 1–3 and DCFS Mandated Reporter Training within required timelines; maintains current CPR/First Aid certification (Bulletin 137 §1719, §1723, §1727)

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Louisiana Teacher Certification completed or in progress (Early Childhood Birth–Grade 3 preferred)
• Background in early childhood education and knowledge of child development; experience with PreK-age children preferred
• Knowledge of Louisiana’s ELDS preferred; familiarity with CLASS® Pre-K preferred and commitment to CLASS growth required

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Believes in every student’s ability to achieve; brings warmth and high expectations in equal measure
• Takes personal responsibility and achieves results based on agreed-upon expectations
• Highly detail-oriented; collaborates effectively with a range of stakeholders
• Shares a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
• Models the FirstLine Commitments: We Keep Learning, We Work Together, We Are Helpful, We Are the Safekeepers of our Community, We Share Joy, We Show Results!

Physical Requirements:

Frequent standing, walking, bending, and crouching to a child’s level; occasional lifting up to 35 lbs. Reasonable accommodations available.

About FirstLine Schools-

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates several (Pre)K–8th grade schools. Our mission is to create and inspire great, open-admissions public schools in New Orleans. Our staff is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous 403b plan.

FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers

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