Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•Shelburne, VT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher leads and role models the creation of 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 support children’s learning and long-term wellbeing. It is intended for an educator committed to personal growth in school leadership. The work follows Sustainable Education®, an approach connecting research with daily practice, and the company’s HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The Lead Teacher supports classroom and school operations, including staff supervision and direction, and may act as a management representative when the School Director and Assistant Director are absent. The position works in an active, collaborative classroom setting, with regular interaction with children, families, and team members and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. The location operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

At least 20 years of age.
High school graduate or GED, and meet at least one of the following qualification paths:
At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major or concentration 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 of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, at least 30 successfully completed college credits with an early childhood or school-age focus, and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger.
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 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, engage at a child’s eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
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.
Ability to follow and model safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Create a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices, modeling positive interactions and guiding the teaching team.
Design and implement daily lesson plans and developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with sustainable education principles.
Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship habits.
Maintain an organized, safe, and eco-minded learning environment and oversee classroom systems, routines, and safety practices.
Assist with the 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.
Serve as a Mandated Reporter, recognizing, documenting, and immediately reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment in accordance with state law.
Support children’s developmental needs through observation and documentation that guide instruction and promote holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional communication; lead or participate in conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities.
Support family and community involvement and team participation in community-focused initiatives.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Reflect, collaborate, and support ongoing educator growth and classroom quality through training, coaching, and collaboration.
Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and school sustainability initiatives.
Potentially support day-to-day school leadership and opening and closing responsibilities.
Follow and model safety procedures and respond safely to emergency situations.

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.