Candidate Pool: Co-Director and Lead Teacher

ElevatEd•Berkeley, CA

21d•$30 - $38

About The Position

We are seeking a Co-Director & Lead Teacher. You will be a full classroom team member, teaching, observing children, and bringing our Reggio-inspired philosophy to life. You will also serve as a key member of our administrative team, providing director-level oversight and leadership support alongside an administrative team, with dedicated time set aside for administrative duties. This role is ideal for an experienced educator with California director qualifications who is energized by both the art of teaching and the responsibilities of school leadership. The position parameters are somewhat flexible, and we are fully prepared to provide support to the right candidate. If you see yourself fulfilling some of the job requirements but not others, you are encouraged to apply. We will collectively determine the type of support you need to feel successful and supported in the role. Congregation Netivot Shalom is currently posting multiple positions as part of an intentional and open-minded search process. We are excited to meet candidates who feel drawn to one or more possible positions at Netivot Shalom Preschool, as we determine the best fit and structure for our school community. Netivot Shalom Preschool at Congregation Netivot Shalom is entering its second decade of providing young children with a rich, joyful learning environment rooted in Jewish values, social-emotional learning, and child-centered practice. Our philosophy is inspired by Reggio Emilia: we see each child as curious, competent, and capable of building their own understanding of the world. Learning is play-based, emergent, and interwoven with Jewish life and practice. Netivot Shalom Preschool is a warm and inclusive community that welcomes families who are Jewish or interfaith, as well as those who do not identify as Jewish. Congregation Netivot Shalom is an LGBTQ+-affirming community.

Requirements

California Director Qualification, including at least 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (Child Development; Child, Family, and Community; Preschool Curriculum), 3–6 units in Preschool Administration, and 3 units of Infant/Toddler coursework
A.A. or B.A. in ECE or a related field — ECE units and teaching experience are highly valued
4+ years of preschool classroom teaching experience
Experience in social constructivist educational settings, such as Reggio Emilia-inspired schools, is a strong plus
If you are a skilled educator who is director-qualified in California and curious about growing into school leadership — even if you haven't done it before — we encourage you to apply. Many aspects of this role can be learned on the job with the support of ECE mentorship, available at this position.

Nice To Haves

Supervision or mentoring experience preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Classroom Teaching Serve as a lead teacher in your assigned classroom, designing and implementing an emergent, child-centered curriculum informed by Reggio Emilia principles
Act as a thoughtful observer of children, documenting learning, building individual relationships, and supporting each child's unique developmental timeline
Integrate Jewish content meaningfully and joyfully into daily classroom life
Build trusting relationships with the families of children in your class
Leadership and Administration Provide director-qualified oversight and coverage in partnership with an administrative team, including regulatory compliance, supervision, and substitute coordination
Foster strong and open lines of communication with families and staff
Partner with the administrative staff on staff development, parent communication, and program planning
Contribute to curriculum planning, community events, and the overall culture of the school