Lead Two's Teacher

The Gardner School • Chicago, IL

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Gardner School is seeking a Lead Teacher for their State-of-the-Art facility, focusing on providing exceptional educational experiences for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. The role involves being part of a caring, fun, and dynamic team committed to high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs. The school values teacher contributions, expertise, and professional growth, offering resources and support. It emphasizes a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and parents, fostering a rich learning environment that stimulates physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The company provides extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs, with opportunities for internal promotions within its privately-owned company across 8 states. The Gardner School is dedicated to a safe, purposeful, and enriching school community, differentiated by its people, program, and promise, and committed to equal employment opportunities.

Requirements

• Meet state licensing requirements for education and experience
• Associates Degree or CDA a must
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in an early childhood education setting
• Strong understanding of child development principles and early childhood education best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive and engaging learning environment.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• BS or BA degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education or related degree

Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and peers to ensure alignment with classroom goals and The Gardner School’s values.
• Facilitate open communication and teamwork in the classroom.
• Model professionalism, positivity, and a commitment to the school’s mission and core values.
• Participate actively with peers through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.
• Offer and share ideas and materials with coworkers to enhance classroom experiences.
• Plan, implement, and assess engaging, developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans based on observations and the developmental goals of each child, promoting physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth.
• Create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating learning environment that supports diverse learning styles.
• Align lesson plans with The Gardner School’s curriculum and learning goals.
• Introduce and implement a curriculum reflecting observations and individual goals for children.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families by providing regular updates on children’s progress and classroom activities.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences with professionalism and clear communication to discuss orientation, transitions, and development goals.
• Represent The Gardner School positively within the community, promoting its mission and values.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing standards and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure classroom safety by adhering to health and safety protocols and supervising children effectively.
• Manage classroom schedules, attendance records, and daily documentation accurately and efficiently.
• Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive.
• Build trusting and collaborative relationships with children, colleagues, and parents.
• Communicate constructively and positively to guide behavior and promote social-emotional development.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

• Extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs
• Opportunities to gain experience within our privately-owned company (internal path to promotions)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees