Lead Pre-K Teacher: Play‑Based Learning & Growth

Alpha School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha School in Chicago, IL is seeking a Head Teacher for a full-time Pre-K classroom on-site. You will design play-based experiences that foster early literacy, numeracy, emotional safety, and social development while tracking measurable progress.

Join a mission-driven team that treats preschool as foundational learning, with relocation assistance offered for NYC and Chicago openings. This role offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Able to work full-time, on-site at Manhattan, New York, or Chicago, Illinois (relocation assistance is available)
• An associate's degree or higher, or any U.S. state teaching license or certification
• At least 2 years of experience working with children ages 3-5 in a structured, play-based classroom or group setting
• Experience documenting developmental milestones using a structured framework or assessment tool (Teaching Strategies GOLD, ASQ, HighScope COR, etc.)
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• For the Chicago opening, a Montessori certificate or experience as a Reading Specialist

Responsibilities

• Design joyful, sensory-rich learning experiences that intentionally build early literacy, numeracy, self-regulation, and social development.
• Create a classroom where every child feels emotionally safe, deeply known, and excited to come to school every day.
• Observe children's development in real time, document meaningful progress, and use those insights to personalize learning.
• Adjust activities around each child's interests and developmental needs, helping every learner make measurable progress.
• Partner closely with families to share growth, celebrate milestones, and support each child's development beyond the classroom.

Skills

Play-based learning

Child development observation

Family partnership

Education

Associate's degree or higher, or teaching license

Tools

Teaching Strategies GOLD

ASQ

HighScope COR

Job description

Alpha School in Chicago, IL is seeking a Head Teacher for a full-time Pre-K classroom on-site. You will design play-based experiences that foster early literacy, numeracy, emotional safety, and social development while tracking measurable progress.

Join a mission-driven team that treats preschool as foundational learning, with relocation assistance offered for NYC and Chicago openings. This role offers competitive compensation and benefits.