Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•South Burlington, VT

10d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive, collaborative Lead Teacher to lead and model a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment across a suite of classrooms. The Lead Teacher designs, implements, and supports high-quality curriculum, guides the teaching team, and models sustainable education practices that support children’s learning and long-term well-being. The role is suited to an educator committed to personal growth in school leadership. The position is guided by Sustainable Education®, an approach connecting research with daily practice to support children’s development and lifelong learning. The organization’s HONOR values—Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition—guide interactions among educators, children, families, and partners. The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Lead Teacher designs developmentally appropriate lessons, leads classroom systems and routines, supervises and supports children, builds family and community partnerships, and coaches teaching staff. The role also contributes to staff hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback, and acts as a management representative in the absence of the School Director and Assistant Director. The work takes place in an active classroom and collaborative school environment, with interaction with children, families, and colleagues and movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces. The role involves prolonged standing and walking, transitions among positions, lifting items up to 30 pounds, and participating in child-centered activities. Employees must complete a background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

At least 20 years of age.
High school graduate or GED holder.
Meet at least one of the following qualification pathways: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; a qualifying bachelor’s degree and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 college credits focused on early childhood or school age and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; or a current Vermont Agency of Education teaching license endorsed in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Elementary Education.
Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Ability to move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75% of the workday.
Ability to transition among sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day.
Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
Ability to sit on the floor and engage at children’s eye level, including light running, outdoor play supervision, and interactive learning activities.
Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ability to supervise children in playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergencies, including evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs, and to follow and model safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Design and implement daily lesson plans and learning experiences aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and sustainable education principles.
Create a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices; model positive interactions and guide the teaching team in upholding these values.
Integrate engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum experiences that connect children to the natural world and promote responsible decision-making.
Lead classroom organization and routines that encourage environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship habits.
Maintain an organized, safe, and eco-minded learning environment; oversee classroom systems, routines, and safety practices while mentoring staff in their implementation.
Assist with the supervision and direction of school staff, contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Act as a management representative in the absence of the School Director and Assistant Director, supporting leadership of the overall school program.
Model best practices for the teaching team and ensure high-quality instructional delivery.
Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration.
Recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment as a Mandated Reporter under state law.
Support children’s developmental needs through observation and documentation that guide instruction and holistic growth.
Build trusting family relationships through consistent, professional, sustainability-minded communication.
Lead or participate in family conferences, events, and community learning opportunities.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and school sustainability initiatives.
Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Support day-to-day school leadership responsibilities, including opening and closing, as needed.

Benefits

Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
Free First Stop Health membership with 24/7 virtual primary care, urgent care, and short-term mental health support.
401(k) retirement plan with annual discretionary employer match contribution.
Optional life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Performance-based pay, including increases tied to certification and/or degree completion.
Career growth and professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and the CHILD Conference.
Paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal support.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.