Lead Preschool Teacher

The Gardner School; Franklin (TN); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Tuition discount

Paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Professional development

Job summary

The Gardner School of Franklin is hiring a Lead Preschool Teacher to inspire a warm, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom. You will lead activities, mentor assistant teachers, and build strong relationships with families and children.

You will plan engaging lessons, maintain safety and compliance, and contribute to a loving, mission-driven culture that values growth, love of learning, and high standards for every child.

Qualifications

• Must have CDA or AA; Bachelor’s degree preferred in ECE.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• 2+ years of early childhood education experience; lead/co-lead preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak English fluently and communicate with families.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Lead classroom leadership

Mentor teammates

Strong communication

Attendance reliability

Education

CDA or Associate's degree

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)

Tools

CPR/First Aid certification

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 Franklin! We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Preschool Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Franklin, 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 pay range for this position is $17.00-$23.00 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 (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.

The Gardner School provides children with a nurturing start for a successful future with a premier preschool experience for children.

Built on decades of expertise, we promise to provide a school community that is safe, purposeful, and enriching.

This commitment is fulfilled through the efforts of our engaged team members, the growth of thriving children, and the satisfaction of happy families.

Together we provide exceptional care and education differentiated by our people, program, and promise.