Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•South Burlington, VT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a Lead Teacher to lead and model a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment across a suite of classrooms. The role designs, implements, and supports high-quality curriculum, guides the teaching team, and models sustainable education practices that help children develop curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. The position is suited to an educator committed to personal growth in school leadership. The school's Sustainable Education® approach bridges research and daily practice, while its HONOR values are Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The Lead Teacher plans developmentally appropriate learning experiences, oversees classroom systems and routines, supports staff development, and builds partnerships with families and the community. The teacher also supervises children, supports their development through observation and documentation, and serves as a mandated reporter under applicable state law. The location operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Requirements

Be at least 20 years of age.
Be a high school graduate or have completed a GED.
Meet at least one of the following qualifications: hold a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; hold a bachelor's degree in a specified early childhood, child or human development, education, or child and family services field and have at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; hold a bachelor's degree with at least 30 college credits focused on early childhood or school age and have at least 12 months of such experience; or hold 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, engage at a child's eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
Ability to supervise children in playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergencies, including evacuations and drills, and to follow and model safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Create and model a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices, and guide the teaching team in upholding these values.
Design and implement daily lesson plans aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and sustainable education principles.
Integrate engaging curriculum experiences that connect children with the natural world and promote responsible decision-making.
Lead classroom organization and routines that encourage environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship.
Maintain an organized, safe, and eco-minded learning environment and mentor staff in classroom systems, routines, and safety practices.
Assist with supervision and direction of school staff, contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Represent management 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.
Use observation and documentation to guide instruction and support each child's developmental needs and holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional communication.
Lead or participate in conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities.
Support family communication, community involvement, and participation in community-focused initiatives.
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 ongoing educator growth and classroom quality through reflection, training, coaching, and collaboration.

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 access to virtual primary care, urgent care, and short-term mental health support.
401(k) retirement plan with an 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 (EAP) with confidential mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal support resources.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.