Lead Infant & Two's Teachers

The Gardner School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School of River North in Chicago is seeking a Lead Infant & Two’s Teacher to guide developmentally appropriate activities in a state-of-the-art preschool setting. You will foster a caring classroom, partner with families, and mentor assistants to uphold high standards of excellence.

Join a passionate team that values growth, collaboration, and making a difference in young learners’ lives. This full-time on-site role offers competitive pay and solid benefits.

Qualifications

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference.
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment.

Skills

English fluency

PC skills

Education

CDA or Associate’s degree with at least 6 credit hours in ECE

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree (preferred)

CPR/First Aid certification (required)

Job description

It’s fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they’re doing!
We’re committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

We’re Hiring! Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of River North!

We have an exciting opportunity for Lead Infant & Two’s Teachers working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of River North , we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool , where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $19.50 – $24.15 per hour, based on education and experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
• Career Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification :

• CDA or Associate’s degree with at least 6 credit hours in ECE (required); Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree (preferred)
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Experience :

• 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead experience preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements :

• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)
• Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.
• Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.
• 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.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.