Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•Shelburne, VT

12d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive, collaborative Lead Teacher to create and role-model a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment across a suite of classrooms. The Lead Teacher designs, implements, and supports high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum; guides and coaches the teaching team; and models sustainable education practices that foster children’s curiosity, confidence, responsibility, and long-term wellbeing. The position is suited to an educator committed to personal growth in school leadership. The role follows Babilou Family US’s Sustainable Education® approach, which connects research to daily practice, and its HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Lead Teacher may support day-to-day school leadership and opening and closing responsibilities, and acts as a management representative when the School Director and Assistant Director are absent. The Lead Teacher supervises and supports children throughout learning activities, meals, transitions, and indoor and outdoor exploration; observes and documents development to inform instruction; and serves as a mandated reporter under state law. The role also involves building relationships with families, supporting conferences and events, collaborating with colleagues, coaching Assistant Teachers, and participating in ongoing training and sustainability initiatives. Candidates must be at least 20 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet one of the listed Vermont early childhood education, degree-and-experience, or teaching-license qualifications. All employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care. This is an active role involving prolonged movement, indoor and outdoor classroom work, and the ability to lift and move items up to 30 pounds.

Requirements

At least 20 years of age.
High school graduate or GED holder.
Meet at least one of the following: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; a qualifying bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, Special Education with a birth-to-eight focus, or Child and Family Services plus at least 12 months’ experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; a bachelor’s degree plus at least 30 college credits focused on early childhood or school age and at least 12 months’ 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.
Maintain all required certifications.
Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Ability to stand and walk for up to 75 percent of the workday and move throughout the school for prolonged periods.
Ability to transition between 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 participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running, outdoor play supervision, and interactive learning.
Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ability to supervise children in classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergencies and follow and model safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Design and implement daily lesson plans and learning experiences aligned with developmentally appropriate practices and sustainable education principles.
Establish classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning; model positive interactions and guide the teaching team in upholding these values.
Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship habits.
Integrate engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum experiences that connect children with the natural world and encourage responsible decision-making.
Maintain safe, organized, eco-minded classrooms and oversee classroom systems, routines, and safety practices.
Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration.
Observe and document children’s development to guide instruction and support holistic growth.
Recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment as a mandated reporter under state law.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional communication and encourage family and community involvement.
Lead or participate in family conferences, events, and community learning opportunities.
Support educator growth and classroom quality through reflection, training, coaching, and collaboration.
Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Collaborate with colleagues on classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and school sustainability initiatives.
Assist with supervision and direction of school staff, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Represent management and support leadership of the overall school program in the absence of the School Director and Assistant Director.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Support day-to-day school leadership and opening and closing responsibilities 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 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.
Generous paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Employee Assistance Program 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.