Lead Teacher

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; Maplewood (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is seeking a Lead Teacher to support youth development and healthy living. This role involves implementing curriculum, supervising children, and fostering relationships with families. Ideal candidates will have experience in developmental settings and strong interpersonal skills.

Benefits

12% retirement upon eligibility

403b plan

Generous PTO plan

Professional development opportunities

Complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Implements curriculum and supervises classroom activities.
• Nurtures children and builds relationships with families.
• Conducts parent conferences and maintains communication.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Educational qualifications as per state law

CPR, First Aid and AED certifications

Job description

Join to apply for the Lead Teacher role at Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Lead Teacher role at Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direction for the children in the classroom, and implements program curriculum. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth within families.

Essential Functions

• Implements curriculum within the established guidelines, following the guidance and direction of the assistant director in charge of curriculum.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Supervises the children, classroom, and all activities including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Cultivates positive relationships, conducts parent conferences, and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA.
• Supervises Teacher Assistants in the classroom, including completion of performance evaluations.
• Maintains program site and equipment.
• Maintains required program records.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff trainings.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.
  
  

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Meets educational and experience qualifications established by state law.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred, with strong understanding of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels including staff, and parents.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
• Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
• Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certifications required.
• Maintain certifications as required. Must complete CARI Background Check, CHRI/Fingerprinting and provide proof of a Mantoux test within two weeks of hire.
  
  

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader)

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration:Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pounds. Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of group.

Internal Candidates

Current active employees of the METROPOLITAN YMCA OF THE ORANGES should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. Additional compensation includes 12% retirement upon eligibility, 403b plan, generous PTO plan, professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Training

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges by 2x

Get notified about new Lead Teacher jobs in Maplewood, NJ.

Early Head Start - Head Start Lead Teacher

New York, NY $40,000.00-$49,700.00 8 months ago

Group Leader- Teacher's College Community School - Upper

Early Head Start - Head Start Lead Teacher

Group Leader - Teachers College Community School- Manhattan

Early Head Start - Head Start Lead Teacher

Brooklyn, NY $45,000.00-$60,000.00 8 months ago

[School Year 2025-2026] Elementary Academic Dean

Early Head Start - Head Start Assistant Teacher

New York, NY $35,000.00-$45,000.00 8 months ago

Literacy Instructional Coach K-5 (25-26 SY)

Queens, NY $80,000.00-$100,000.00 2 days ago

Early Head Start - Head Start Lead Teacher

New York, NY $70,000.00-$130,000.00 3 months ago

[2025-2026] Lead Teacher - Elementary School

Lower School Lead Teacher (2025-2026 SY)

Brooklyn, NY $36,747.74-$41,071.01 1 day ago

Lead Teacher - Elementary (NY)- SY 25-26

Bronx, NY $68,735.00-$143,740.00 5 months ago

Queens, NY $120,000.00-$180,000.00 2 months ago

Bronx, NY $40,000.00-$68,000.00 5 months ago

Lead Teacher - 3-4 Year Olds (August start date)

Brooklyn, NY $33,440.45-$41,071.01 1 week ago

NYSA Teacher Assistant - Elementary School

[2025-2026] Lead Teacher - Middle School

[2025-2026] Lead Teacher - Middle School

Manager of Online Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Bronx, NY $85,000.00-$100,000.00 2 weeks ago

Mathematics Instructional Coach K-5 (25-26 SY)

Queens, NY $80,000.00-$100,000.00 4 days ago

[School Year 2025-2026] Humanities Academic Dean

New York, NY $100,000.00-$116,000.00 2 weeks ago

Lower School Homebase Head Teacher - Possible Opening (2025-2026)

Bronx, NY $60,000.00-$135,000.00 6 months ago

Bronx, NY $50,000.00-$68,000.00 2 months ago

Bronx, NY $50,000.00-$68,000.00 3 months ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.