Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•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 and implements high-quality, developmentally appropriate 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 grounded in the organization’s Sustainable Education® approach, which connects research with daily practice to support children’s growth and lifelong learning. The organization’s HONOR values—Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition—guide relationships among educators, children, families, and partners. The location operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Lead Teacher leads classroom practices and routines, supports staff supervision and development, and may represent management in the absence of the School Director and Assistant Director. The role includes supervising children, supporting development through observation and documentation, serving as a mandated reporter, building family partnerships, and collaborating on curriculum and sustainability initiatives. Employees must complete a background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

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 qualification pathways: hold a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; hold a bachelor’s degree in a listed relevant 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 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.
Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Maintain all required certifications.
Be able to stand and walk for up to 75 percent of the workday and move throughout the school for prolonged periods.
Be able to transition among sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day.
Be able to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
Be able to sit on the floor and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
Be comfortable working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Be able to supervise children in playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Be able to respond quickly and safely in emergencies and follow and model safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Create a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning, modeling positive interactions and guiding the teaching team.
Integrate developmentally appropriate curriculum experiences that connect children to the natural world and encourage responsible decision-making.
Maintain an organized, safe, eco-minded learning environment and oversee classroom systems, routines, and safety practices.
Build consistent partnerships with families and encourage team participation in community-focused initiatives.
Support educator growth and classroom quality through reflection, training, coaching, and collaboration.
Design and implement daily lesson plans and learning experiences aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and sustainable education principles.
Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship habits.
Assist with 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 each child’s developmental needs through observation and documentation to 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.
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, including opening and closing responsibilities when 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.
Paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential support and resources.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and additional lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.