Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•Essex Junction, VT

10d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive, collaborative Lead Teacher to create and role-model a safe, nurturing, sustainable learning environment across a suite of classrooms. The Lead Teacher designs and implements high-quality curriculum, guides the teaching team, and models sustainable education practices that support children’s learning and long-term well-being. This role is intended for an educator committed to personal growth in school leadership. The role follows the organization’s Sustainable Education® approach, which connects research with everyday practice to support children’s development and lifelong learning. The organization’s HONOR values—Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition—guide how educators, children, families, and partners work and grow together. The location operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Lead Teacher plans and delivers developmentally appropriate learning experiences, maintains classroom systems and safety practices, supports and coaches staff, and builds strong relationships with families and the community. The Lead Teacher may support school leadership and act as a management representative when the School Director and Assistant Director are absent. The position requires meeting Vermont Lead Teacher qualifications, maintaining required certifications, and completing a required background check.

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 Vermont Lead Teacher qualifications: hold a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; hold a 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, and have at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; hold a bachelor’s degree and have successfully completed at least 30 college credits with an early childhood or school-age focus, plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; or hold a current Vermont Agency of Education teaching license endorsed in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Elementary Education.
Maintain all required certifications and complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Meet the physical requirements of the role, including moving throughout the school, changing positions, lifting or carrying items up to 30 pounds, engaging with children at floor level, and responding safely to emergencies.

Responsibilities

Create a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices, and model positive interactions for the teaching team.
Design and implement daily lesson plans and developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with sustainable education principles.
Integrate curriculum experiences that connect children to the natural world and encourage responsible decision-making.
Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship.
Maintain an organized, safe, and eco-minded learning environment, including classroom systems, routines, and safety practices.
Assist with the supervision and direction of school staff, including contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Act as a management representative and support leadership of the overall school program when the School Director and Assistant Director are absent.
Model instructional best practices and support high-quality delivery by the teaching team.
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.
Observe and document children’s development to guide instruction and support their holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional communication.
Lead or participate in family conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to improve 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.
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.
Paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and additional lifestyle and fringe benefits.