Head Start Lead Teacher - Salem, MA

Pathways for Children, Inc.; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Life and long-term disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Earned time off

Job summary

Pathways for Children, Inc. is seeking a passionate Head Start Lead Preschool Teacher in Salem, MA, dedicated to early childhood education. You will create a warm and engaging classroom that supports children's growth. Qualifications include an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and experience as a Head Start or preschool teacher. We offer professional development, generous health and dental insurance, and retirement plans with an employer match.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Start teacher or preschool teacher.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the role.
• Compliance with all state and federal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage classroom operations according to best practices.
• Supervise classroom staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Develop and implement individualized curriculum for children.
• Ensure a healthy and safe learning environment.

Skills

Strong foundation in child development

Hands-on experience working with preschool-aged children

Teamwork and communication

Continuous learning

Education

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Location

Salem, MA

Schedule

37.5 hours per week for the remainder of our school year and then 43 weeks for the 2026/2027 school year with a planned reduction in force at the end of the school year in June 2026 and 2027. Scheduled hours and weeks are based on need and subject to change, including the reduction in force.

Rate

$28.50-$33.30 based on education and experience

Make a Lasting Impact—Join the Pathways Team!

At Pathways, we believe that to teach is to touch lives. We are a mission‑driven organization dedicated not only to nurturing young children and families, but also to fostering the growth and success of our educators.

Head Start Lead Preschool Teacher

We are currently seeking a Head Start Lead Preschool Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

Why Join Pathways?

When you join our team, you’re joining a supportive community that offers:

• Access to professional development and training
• Career advancement opportunities within the organization
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment grounded in our core values: Respect, Trust, Collaboration, and Opportunity

About the Role

As a Lead Preschool Teacher, you will help create a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that supports children’s growth and learning. The ideal candidate brings:

• A strong foundation in child development
• A background in early childhood education
• Hands‑on experience working with preschool‑aged children
• A commitment to teamwork, communication, and continuous learning

What will you do

• Provides oversight and management to assure classroom operates according to best practice and standards set by Office of Head Start, Department of EEC, and Pathways for Children Agency policy and procedures.
• Supervises and engages with others working in classroom, including classroom staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Provides guidance and direction for classroom activities, schedules, routines.
• Develops and implements an individualized curriculum and guidance strategies for each child and class based on class school readiness goals of Pathways for Children.
• Implements and ensures positive guidance strategies for children consistent with Pathways for Children Behavior Management Plan.
• Provides appropriate supervision of children by sight and sound to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment.

What do you need

Education and Experience Required - Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a related field with equivalent coursework; and experience as a Head Start teacher or preschool teacher.

• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the role.
• Must comply with all state and federal requirements.
• Must complete and satisfy background check protocols.

What we offer

Internal growth! We often hire from within to help our employees reach their greatest potential.

On‑going training and Professional Development provided free of charge, and tuition reimbursement.

Generous Heath and Dental Insurances, Life and Long Term Disability Insurances.

Retirement Plans such as 401(k) and ROTH – with employer match upon meeting eligibility and vesting requirements.

Earned Time Off (sick and vacation time).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Pathways for Children provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.